Barcelona target labelled the ‘new Sadio Mane’ closing in on Ligue 1 move

This international break has proven a wonderful sage for some of football’s most exciting young talents to break onto the scene for their national teams.

Lamine Yamal has been enjoying an exceptional start to the season for Barcelona, and the trendsetting teenager has now shattered more records with Spain as well.

However, he’s not the only teenager on the block setting records. Senegal attacker Amara Diouf also became the youngest ever player from his country to make his senior debut, aged 15 years and 94 days.

And with Barcelona always on the lookout for young top talents, they did have their eye on Diouf as well, according to reports from Diario AS.

Heading to Metz

Just like his compatriot Sadio Mane – who Diouf has drawn comparisons to due to his pace and direct attacking threat – is now reportedly heading to Ligue 1 side Metz according to the Spanish outlet.

With Barcelona having formed a tremendous young core and looking to sign more long-term prospects like Benjamin Sesko and Fabricio Diaz, it looks as though Diouf was also on their radar.

Mady Touré, founder and president of Senegalese club Génération Foot (Metz’s subsidiary) also said: “At 18, Amara will go to FC Metz. It is our partner club, which has helped launch the careers of many Senegalese players.”

Amara Diouf became the youngest ever to play for Senegal — born in 2008, 15 years and 94 days. ✨🇸🇳

A LW from Generation Foot academy that produced Sadio Mané.

He’s joining Metz, deal already agreed for the future. 🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/HuFu4x3CSA

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 10, 2023

He also mentioned that Diouf is in regular contact with Sadio Mane, who he idolises, and the veteran sees a lot of promise in him and gives Diouf advice.

Mane apparently told Diouf that signing for Metz is a good idea due to the trajectory it gave his own career eventually.