MESSI OF BAMAKO!!

🚨 Chelsea Go All-In for Malian Wonderkid Seydou Dembélé!

€1.6M Offer Made as Europe’s Elite Battle for Africa’s Brightest Talent

Chelsea have officially entered the race for Seydou Dembélé, the 16-year-old sensation dazzling fans and scouts alike at the ongoing U17 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. According to exclusive information from Africafoot, the Premier League giants have submitted an initial offer of €1.6 million to secure the services of the Malian prodigy, already dubbed the “Messi of Bamako” by those closest to him.

Dembélé has been a standout performer for Mali’s U17 team, helping them qualify for the U17 World Cup in Qatar later this year. He earned Man of the Match honors in back-to-back group matches—a 2-1 win over Angola and a 2-0 triumph against the Central African Republic—cementing his status as the star of the tournament.

Chelsea aren’t alone in their pursuit. Red Bull Salzburg, with ties to the Jean-Marc Guillou Academy in Bamako where Dembélé developed, are closely monitoring him. Even FC Barcelona have taken notice, impressed by his brilliance at the recent UFOA U17 tournament in Senegal, where he was named Best Player.

While €1.6M might seem modest, it’s a major statement from Chelsea given the player’s age and background. The offer highlights the Blues’ commitment to securing emerging talents early—before their value explodes.

With the transfer window approaching, and Mali progressing in the U17 AFCON, more clubs are expected to enter the fray. But Chelsea’s early move could give them the edge—if Dembélé’s camp sees the Premier League as the best launchpad for his promising career.

Stay tuned—this is just the beginning of what could become Africa’s biggest next-gen transfer saga.