Manchester City’s Joel Ndala is yet to break into the first team at the current Premier League champions, but after impressing at the U-17 World Cup for England – he’s now attracting plenty of interest from some of the biggest clubs in the English top-flight. So, could City be about to cash-in on their latest wonderkid, or will they finally unleash him into the main squad?
Joel Ndala England’s Top Scorer at the U-17 World Cup
Man City academy graduate Joel Ndala has been described as ‘an extraordinary talent’ by a lot of football judges but have the team that’s nurtured him been holding onto the reins too tightly?
Okay, Ndala is just 17 (will be 18 on May 31st 2024) so it’s clear the U17 England striker still has plenty of time on his hands. But with Rico Lewis having made his City U18 debut at just 15 and then winning his debut XI place at just 18 years-old (37 days), Ndala will be eager to break into the first team squad.
Manchester-born Ndala has recently enhanced his case for a City call-up after firing in three goals for the Three Lions at the ongoing FIFA U-17 World Cup. With strikes against Uzbekistan, Brazil and Iran.
However, this good run of form on the world stage has only put other Premier League and European sides on high alert. With a possible January swoop for the England striker now a big possibility.
Joel Ndala Transfer Value On The Rise
The Ndala transfer value, as a result of his good showing at the U-17 World Cup in Indonesia, has only increased and City could be ready to cash in.
Just like the Champions League winners did with Cole Palmer going to Chelsea in the summer.
At the last U-17 World Cup in India a certain Phil Foden also hit the headlines, being named as the tournament’s best player and Ndala will be hoping to follow in the ‘Foden footsteps’.
🚨 Man City talent Joel Ndala attracting interest from PL + Europe. Top scorer for England at U17 World Cup subject to enquiries for loan & permanent transfer. Could be another lucrative academy sale if #MCFC cash in on 17yo forward @TheAthleticFC #U17WC ⬇️https://t.co/DAGHQG6FhL
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) November 23, 2023
Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal and United All Rumoured To Be Keeping Tabs On Possible Joel Ndala Transfer
It will be interesting to see what City and Pep Guardiola do on Ndala’s return from international duty. They will either go down the Rico Lewis and Phil Foden route and unleash the tricky winger into the Premier League.
Or they might want to cash in and transfer Ndala. Just like they did with another promising youngster in Cole Palmer in the summer.
If they do decide to part ways with one of their most talented academy prospects, it could be a good way for them to raise funds and there will be no shortage of interest.
Ndala Transfer Odds See Chelsea The Favourites
Big spending Chelsea are the favourites with the SportLens odds compilers at 11/4 to get the Ndala signature and even though he’s unlikely to fetch the £45m Cole Palmer commanded. It might still be a significant figure considering his age and growing reputation.
Arsenal are another club that Ndala’s style of play could fit to and the Gunners have also been rumoured to be keeping a close eye on his situation. While Manchester United, who unleashed their own new star in the making Kobbie Mainoo recently, are high up in the betting to sign Ndala too at 4/1.
Looking further down the market, it would be a shock of the City youngster is packing up to go abroad, with Dortmund the shortest of the European clubs in the market.
However, wealthy Newcastle, who are taking a ‘slowly, slowly’ approach in the transfer market could be the value call at 10/1, where you feel Ndala might get more chances to hit the ground running if joining the Magpies.
Joel Ndala Next Permanent Club Signing Odds
- Chelsea 11/4
- Man Utd 4/1
- Arsenal 5/1
- Liverpool 7/1
- Dortmund 7/1
- Newcastle 10/1
- Barcelona 14/1
- Real Madrid 20/1
- PSG 25/1
- Spurs 25/1
- Aston Villa 25/1
- Juventus 33/1
- West Ham 40/1
Note: Odds are subject to change and for entertainment purposes only
Who Is Joel Ndala?
Joel Tshisanga Ndala is a Manchester-born striker that came through the youth ranks at Port Vale before joining Man City academy aged just 10. He signed a pro contract with the Premier League champions in 2022 and since then has played for England at U-17 and -18 level.
Add Sportslens to your Google News Feed!
