- Standard Liège’s Ilian Hadidi is the latest name linked with a high-profile move to the Etihad Stadium as City’s global scouting network focuses on the North African market.
- Manchester City face a significant battle for the 17-year-old’s signature, with Borussia Dortmund and Ajax also identifying the Moroccan U17 international as a target.
- Hadidi’s performances in Belgium, where he has netted six goals in 17 appearances for Liège’s U18 side this season, have made him one to watch ahead of the U17 AFCON tournament in May.
Etihad Stadium talent spotters are showing an interest in one of the emerging names in Moroccan football, according to new reports.
The interest comes at a time when Manchester City are continuing to pursue securing the world’s best talent before their market value skyrockets, and increasingly so under the guidance of their new Director of Football Hugo Viana.
City have seemingly intensified efforts in the Belgian Pro League, with Ilian Hadidi – a versatile midfielder capable of operating as a deep-lying playmaker or more advanced – is seen as a player who could fit the technical profile required for a Pep Guardiola system.
The 17-year-old appears to be at a critical juncture in his career, with his current club Standard Liège desperate to tie him down to a professional contract extension and a pathway to the first team.
However, the lure of the Champions League and Premier League’s elite may prove too strong, with Manchester City’s interest accompanied by a number of other prominent names in European football.
Manchester City in eight-club pursuit of Ilian Hadidi
Now, according to Scouts in Attendance, City are among eight European clubs interested in the 17-year-old Standard Liege midfielder of Morocco, with Ilian Hadidi expected to be ‘heavily scouted’ at the upcoming Under-17 African Cup of Nations.
Alongside those at the Etihad Stadium, it is pointed out at that Germany’s Borussia Dortmund, France’s Lille and AS Monaco, the Netherlands’ PSV, Ajax, and Feyenoord, as well as Belgium’s Club Brugge are also interested in the teenager.
Hadidi hunt continues Man City’s global strategy
With the club currently chasing a historic second domestic Treble – battling at the top of the Premier League and preparing for an FA Cup Final against Chelsea – the focus behind the scenes is on ensuring the next generation is ready to step up.
Hadidi’s Man of the Match performance in a 3-0 win over Algeria during the UNAF tournament earlier this spring has already placed him at the top of many scouting shortlists across the continent.
If Manchester City were to win the race for his signature, Hadidi would likely be integrated into the Elite Development Squad (EDS) or potentially loaned out to a partner club within the City Football Group (CFG) to gain senior experience such as Girona or Lommel.
