Manchester United has deployed scouts to Chile to keep a close watch on Nigeria’s prodigious teenage goalkeeper, Ebenezer Harcourt, a 15-year-old talent already making history with the Super Eagles, according to Soccernet.ng.
Born in October 2009, Harcourt is poised to start for Nigeria at the upcoming FIFA U20 World Cup, kicking off this weekend.
Aliyu Zubairu, Nigeria’s head coach, has placed his confidence in the young goalkeeper to defend the net on the global youth stage, facing off against experienced teams from Saudi Arabia, Norway, and Colombia.
Harcourt, a product of Sporting Lagos, first caught the eye of international scouts earlier this year during the CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, where he played a pivotal role in securing Nigeria’s bronze medal finish.
His most memorable moment came in the quarter-finals against Senegal, where he heroically saved two penalties in the shootout, ensuring Nigeria’s passage to the World Cup. Throughout the tournament, he maintained three clean sheets and conceded only two goals during regular play, matching the performance of some of the competition’s most seasoned goalkeepers.
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His impressive displays have attracted attention from scouts across Europe, with talent spotters from France, Belgium, and Germany monitoring his development for several months.
Recently, Premier League clubs, notably Manchester United, have intensified their pursuit of Harcourt, as reported by United In Focus.
Interest has also come from the Saudi Pro League, but Harcourt’s representatives are focused on ensuring his growth is prioritized over a premature transfer.
Harcourt holds the record as Nigeria’s youngest-ever international player, having debuted earlier this year in the African Nations Championship (CHAN) with a clean sheet against Congo. Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has expressed great admiration for the young goalkeeper’s abilities.
What truly sets Harcourt apart is not just his youth but his remarkable composure. Coaches at Sporting Lagos recall him as a confident 10-year-old, commanding defenders much older than himself. This maturity now defines his approach: calm, assertive, and unflinching in one-on-one situations.
In a country celebrated for its attacking prowess, Harcourt’s emergence as a goalkeeper of such caliber at a tender age is exceptional. With elite clubs from Europe and the Middle East closely observing his progress, the question is not if he will transfer abroad, but when.
As the FIFA U20 World Cup unfolds in Chile, all eyes will be on this young prodigy. Should Harcourt maintain his impressive form, Manchester United will likely face stiff competition from other top-tier clubs eager to secure his signature.
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