The MCFC youth talent generator keeps on turning. Abdisalam Ibrahim is the latest young Breakthrough Blue to commit his future to the club…
His senior debut is already under his belt with a classy performance in the FA Cup win at Scunthorpe and his Premier League bow was made in a substitute appearance against Liverpool. The 18 year old midfielder has now signed a four year contract with The Citizens.
Abdi arrived in Manchester from Norway three years ago. With height and athelticism, he’s caught the eye repeatedly for City and Norway whom he has represented at every level to his current age.
The player, already likened to team mate Patrick Vieira said:
‘I am really happy. I am going to enjoy the moment. It is really exciting for me. The contract gives me time to learn my trade and push my claims. There is a great team spirit throughout the squad and I couldn’t be at better club.’
He went on to speak highly of City manager Roberto Mancini who has given senior debuts to other MCFC Academy graduates this season such as Dedryck Boyata, Greg Cunningham and Alex Nimely:
‘The boss has been great with me and the other lads. He’s a really good coach and he believes that if you are good enough, you are old enough and that sends a very positive message to all the young players at the club, particularly the next group of academy players coming through.’
The level headed Abdi’s signing is another example of City’s expanding global reach. As City legend Gary Owen recently pointed out to VMC:
‘Football is no longer about bringing in lads from Longsight and Audenshaw and the centre of Manchester. If you want your club to stay at the top, you have to not only have the greatest scouting network to bring established world players in but also a great worldwide Academy network. Rightly or wrongly, ever big club in the world is now trying to do that.’
Abdi’s family live in town now. His brother Abdirashid, fact fans, turns out for FC United of Manchester, who last week failed to beat Manchester’s real United, Ashton. At the time of going to press, it’s not known whether or not Abdirashid has taken to wearing a Delia Smith Norwich scarf.
VMC City Video Link: Abdi Meets The Press After His City Debut In January
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