AC Milan youngster Francesco Camarda is attracting attention from English Premier League champions and Champions League holders Manchester City.
When typically thinking about Manchester City and their transfers in recent years, the first thoughts are multi-million-euro deals for proven talent. But this is just the face of the Citizens’ project, and it isn’t uncommon for the modern English giants to poach young talent for their academies to develop into elite-level players from a young age. Now, that search appears to be taking them to Serie A.
So, who is AC Milan‘s Francesco Camarda? And then why are Manchester City interested?
Francesco Camarda: Is he Italy’s most exciting youth talent?
Camarda‘s talent has been known for a considerable amount of time, both in Italy and overseas. The 15-year-old is seen by many as the most exciting male prospect in the country, with Barcelona Femeni and Italy Women’s National Team player Giulia Dragoni the undisputed equivalent in the women’s game. As a result of his reputation, Europe’s elite are starting to circle and sound out Milan with a view to a move.
Knowledge of the striker’s talent emerged as early as 2017 when he was still a child playing for the club’s youth ranks. In the next three years and over 87 games, he scored a breathtaking 483 goals, naturally breaking countless records.
At 1.84 metres in height and confident with both feet, Camarda is described as a complete striker, capable of scoring in many different situations, which is partly why the Italian is such a threat.
It hasn’t been uncommon for him to play with and against players older than himself, with this 2023/24season being no different. Camarda has already featured several times for the AC Milan Primavera side this season, where he has scored once.
He has also impressed in the UEFA Youth League. He has scored twice and assisted another, all while being among the youngest players to ever play in the competition. The 15-year-old has also represented the underage ranks of the Italy Men’s National Team on three occasions in the 2023/24 season at Under-17 level.
Which European clubs want Francesco Camarda?
Calcio Mercato recently reported that a number of European clubs are looking to sign Camarda. The frontrunners for the 15-year-old are Manchester City and Borussia Dortmund.
However, if they were to act on their interest, it would take a lot to take the Italian away from Northern Italy.
The Rossoneri have worked extensively to shield Camarda from the media and other distractions in order to ensure that he stays focused on football.
As well, having been born in Milan, the Diavolo are his favourite club. In the same Calcio Mercato article, it was reported that Camarda “dreams of making his senior debut in an AC Milan shirt”.
AC Milan directors have already drafted a contract for the 15-year-old for when he turns 16 in March 2024. The club are working on a three-year deal, which they are confident he will sign.
