Now the time has come for Aboubakar Sedi Kinteh to move on as Manchester United are increasing their interest.
According to Malik Diop, President of Mawde Wade Academy, Talking from Africa Foot. The first was a 19-year-old centre-back in their academy.
Kinteh currently plays for Tromsø after joining Tromsø in March last year. He has been impressing since, so much so that there is reportedly interest from the Premier League.
Reports in England have hinted at this, with Chelsea and Manchester United recently named among suitors.
Manchester United's efforts
In fact, one such report stated that Jason Wilcox and Omar Berada were planning to travel to Norway to scout young Tromsø IL talent.
Sport Witness then covered a report from Corriere dello Sport detailing Manchester United's interest. It said those in charge at Old Trafford had planned a 'blitz' to defeat the youngsters in the competition.
Now Diop has backed his former talent to make the move and has heaped praise on the youngster in the process.
“He's a very athletic guy who anticipates challenges,” he said.
"Being athletic is one thing but knowing how to anticipate challenges makes you comfortable. These qualities inevitably make him a tough defender to handle.
"It is time for him to leave. There was already interest from clubs during the winter transfer window, but it was not the ideal time for a young player, because there is already an established team and it is not easy to break into the first team...
"However, the best time is summer. He will have time to acclimate and establish himself."
Manchester United's focus is on youth
The interest in Kinteh certainly coincides with a new effort by Manchester United to focus on youth around the world.
There have been several big signings in this regard, with Lenny Yoro, Chido Obi-Martin and Diego León being the most high-profile. 23-year-old Senay Lammens could also fit into that category.
Kinteh now appears on the list, and it seems his former academy director is convinced the move comes at the right time.
