5 India U-17 stars who have been linked with moves to foreign clubs

The FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017 brought the stars of tomorrow to India for the fans to relish and also had several scouts from clubs across the world visit the stadiums in search for future icons.

India may have lost all three games of theirs at the showpiece event but the individual performances of a few players attracted eyeballs of several scouts from some of Europe's top clubs.

Sportskeeda takes a look at the five India U-17 stars who were linked to moves abroad on the back of their stellar performances!

#1 Sanjeev Stalin

Sanjeev Stalin's performance at the U-17 World Cup, may not have made the headlines but it surely impressed the scouts present at the India games in New Delhi. Stalin's ability to swing in dangerous balls during dead ball situations impressed with the French scout Joseph Mohan, who analysed his performances and admitted that his talent and potential are fit for a venture in Europe.

Mohan is a part of Carmenta, an agency which has helped young talents sign lucrative contracts with German, French and Portuguese top-tier clubs. However, negotiations could not go into advanced stages due to the All India Football Federation's (AIFF) plans of fielding a combined U-17 and U-19 Squad as a 'resurrected' Indian Arrows team in the I-League.

#2 Anwar Ali

Defender Anwar Ali was the only outfield player in the Indian who played every single minute of the entire campaign, the other being goalkeeper Dheeraj. Ali's brave tackles and interceptions made life difficult for opponent strikers, which reportedly attracted a few European scouts.

In October, as the AIFF were planning to renew the contracts of the U-17 players to field them in the I-League, a few Indian players rejected the offers as they looked for better opportunities inside and outside the country.

Ali was reportedly offered a deal with an unidentified German club for a developmental contract, but he then opted to sign for the Arrows in its place.

#3 Komal Thatal

Forward Komal Thatal was the only silver lining for India in the opening 0-3 loss to the United States in the FIFA U-17 World Cup. Although he played just the opening game and was dropped by coach Luis Norton de Matos in the net two, he made headlines thanks to his brilliant skills and top-notch individuality.

Many a time, the diminutive teenager left the US defence in its wake with his deft touches, sudden sprints and tactful dribbles on the left wing, which attracted the scouts present at the game.

His valiant effort earned praise from all quarters and it also emerged that a few top English clubs, including Manchester United, were tracking his progress.

The interest from the European giants never materialized into a proper deal as FA rules state English clubs can only recruit players from countries who are ranked among the top 70 teams and also the AIFF's decision to field the Indian Arrows in the I-League had an impact on the declining interests in Thatal.

It was also reported in November that the youngster had an offer from a second division Turkish side, which he chose to reject.

#4 Jitendra Singh

Jitendra Singh, despite putting his heart and soul into the games in the World Cup, was heavily criticized for conceding a penalty through which the USA took the lead in the opening match. Jitendra improved immensely in the following games thereafter, thus catching the attention of several English scouts present.

The famous Manchester International Football Academy also called him up for trials, but he could not make it citing age issues. Jitendra Singh being only 16, needed another two years to be eligible to enroll in the Manchester Football Academy.

To pursue his dreams of moving to Europe, he has signed a two-year contract with All India Football Federation (AIFF) and will play for the Indian Arrows in I-League.

As soon as he gets 18 years old, he would again have a shot at the elite academies in Europe.

#5 Dheeraj Singh Moirangthem

The young goalkeeper, who pulled off several top-notch saves to ensure respectable margins of losses for India in the FIFA U-17 World Cup, is surely the find of the mega event for the nation.

Dheeraj attracted interest from Motherwell SC in the Scottish Premiership, who offered him a trial. Dheeraj’s agent Anuj Kichlu was quoted as saying, “Motherwell FC have offered a trial to him. If he can go there and prove himself in a trial, he may have a chance for selection. It is not a direct contract,” he said.

He also added, “Dheeraj also has a couple of offers from clubs from other countries, but all of them are for trials because no one wants to sign an Indian player without seeing him properly in the conditions overseas.”

The 17-year-old is also rumoured to be linked with English Football League League One side Blackburn Rovers. Dheeraj's contract with the All India Football Federation expires on 31st December 2017 and it is to be seen which path he will take.