Image Credits: Imago Images
Liverpool’s scouting network is seemingly leaving now stone unturned, with feelers seemingly streched as far as Helsingborgs IF in Sweden.
It is the kind of obsessive, detail-oriented recruitment process that has come to define modern Liverpool – a club that has made an art form of identifying talent before the rest of Europe catches on as was the case with the acquisition of Mor Talla Ndiaye.
This time, the story begins in Sweden’s second division- and it involves a 20-year-old centre-back with very big ambitions indeed.
Demba N’diaye, who only joined Helsingborgs IF on January 30th of this year, has already caught the attention of clubs from across Europe — and he has made no secret of where he ultimately wants to end up. The French-born Senegalese defender signed a three-year deal with the Swedish Superettan side after impressing during a trial, having previously come through the Le Havre academy before spells at Angers SCO and Dunkerque.
Despite playing just two competitive matches for his new club – both Swedish Cup ties against Elfsborg and Sirius – Helsingborgs manager Stevie Grieve has already confirmed that the phone has been ringing. “I’ve received a couple of phone calls,” Grieve told Swedish outlet HD, with Sportbladet reporting that some of that interest originates from clubs in the United Kingdom.
N’diaye himself is aware of the buzz surrounding him, though he is keeping his feet firmly on the ground for now. “I know there’s interest, but right now I’m just concentrating on Helsingborg and doing as well as possible here. Then we’ll see what happens,” he said.
When asked about his long-term ambitions, however, the defender did not hold back — naming two of the most iconic clubs on the planet. “To join a major club in the world. Liverpool, Real Madrid or something like that. To play in the Champions League — and to win the African Cup of Nations with Senegal,” N’diaye added
It is worth noting that N’diaye’s comments are a reflection of his personal career goals rather than any confirmed approach from Anfield. Liverpool’s name has not been specifically linked as one of the clubs who made contact, meaning the 20-year-old may need to continue his impressive development at Helsingborgs before any top-level move materialises.
Want to get the latest Liverpool news direct to your phone? Join our WhatsApp community by clicking here.
