Manchester United scouts watch Nigeria’s teenage goalkeeper Harcourt
Manchester United have sent scouts to Chile to keep an eye on Nigeria’s young goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt, a 15-year-old already making history with the Super Eagles.
Harcourt, born in October 2009, is expected to start for Nigeria at the FIFA U20 World Cup, which kicks off this weekend. Head coach Aliyu Zubairu has shown great trust in the schoolboy, handing him the responsibility of facing tough opponents from Saudi Arabia, Norway and Colombia.
The Sporting Lagos goalkeeper first made headlines earlier this year at the CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, where Nigeria won the bronze medal. His standout moment came in the quarter-final against Senegal, when he saved two penalties in a shootout that secured Nigeria’s qualification for the World Cup. He finished the tournament with three clean sheets and conceded just two goals in normal play.
Clubs in France, Belgium and Germany have been following his progress for months. Now, Premier League sides, including Manchester United, are showing stronger interest, according to reports by Soccernet. The Saudi Pro League has also made enquiries, but his handlers are said to be focused on his long-term development rather than rushing into a move.
Harcourt has already become Nigeria’s youngest-ever international after making his debut at the African Nations Championship (CHAN) earlier this year, where he kept a clean sheet against Congo. Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has praised the youngster’s talent and maturity.
Coaches at Sporting Lagos describe him as calm, decisive and fearless, qualities he showed even at the age of 10 when he was already organising defenders much older than him.
For Nigeria, famous for producing attacking players, having such a gifted goalkeeper at this age is unusual. With top clubs in Europe and the Middle East watching closely, it seems only a matter of time before Harcourt makes the move abroad.
As the World Cup begins in Chile, the spotlight will be on him. If he continues his fine form, Manchester United will not be the only big club trying to sign him.
