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The FIFA U-17 World Cup is the first big stage which offers talented footballers to showcase their abilities in front of the world. Numerous footballing stars of today's time were once playing at the U-17 World Cup. Scouts are seen in huge numbers during this tournament to judge a player's qualities first hand and help clubs identify a future talent.
In today's age, 17 is a time where talented prospects are already linked and complete big-money moves to top European clubs which increases the pressure on them to perform well at the World Cup. Here is a list of youngsters who are linked with some of the biggest clubs in football and who will be playing in India later this year at the FIFA U-17 World Cup:
#8 Jann-Fiete Arp (Chelsea)
The 17-year-old Hamburg striker is Germany's captain at the World Cup and is seen as a "super talent" in his homeland. He was the top scorer for his youth side and scored seven goals in U-17 Euros, also scoring the fastest ever hat-trick in the tournament.
Arp has emerged as a target for the Blues, according to recent reports, who have been impressed by the youngster's poaching skills. German fans have compared Arp to Miroslav Klose but the striker once revealed that he models his game on Tottenham Hotspur's Harry Kane. Chelsea might sign the striker soon after monitoring him at the World Cup.
#7 Jadon Sancho (Arsenal)
The 17-year-old won the "Golden Player" award at the U-17 Euros earlier this year. Considered as one of the brightest prospects in the Premier League, Sancho is reportedly thinking of leaving his current club, Manchester City. Pep Guardiola is said to be a huge fan of the striker but the player feels that progressing at City might not be an easy task at the moment.
Arsenal have been monitoring him since his Watford days and have tabled a £30,000 per-week offer for Sancho. He is expected to arrive at a decision after the World Cup which means that a lot of focus will be on the young striker in India. Meanwhile, Spurs are also interested in him with Mauricio Pochettino rumoured to be an admirer.
#6 Lincoln (Manchester United)
The Gremio midfielder has been a long term target for the Red Devils and according to various tabloids, the Premier League giants might finally make a move for Lincoln after the World Cup. The combative midfielder made his senior debut for Gremio two years ago and is seen as a dependable player in the squad.
Globo Esporte had once claimed the Gremio club president had promised a deal to Manchester United for Lincoln. Jose Mourinho is keen on working with one of the brightest Brazilian prospects and might sign him in the January transfer window.
#5 Eric Ayiah (FC Porto)
The Ghanaian forward was on fire at the African Youth Championship where he was the leading goalscorer. Ayiah will captain Ghana at the U-17 World Cup and will be looking to attract potential suitors.
His agent Kwame Minimsaah has revealed that Ayiah has not signed a pre-contract with FC Porto amidst reports of the 17-year-old signing for the Portuguese giants. Minimsaah has confirmed that along with Porto, clubs like Manchester City and PSG are also interested in Ayiah but the player will decide his future only after the World Cup.
#4 Alan Souza (Real Madrid)
The Brazilian wonder-kid has attracted attention from one of the biggest clubs in the world. His agent has met with club president Florentino Perez and CEO Jose Angel Sanchez for a deal next summer.
The Palmeiras starlet has a release clause of €50 million which is a testament to his sensational talents at such a young age. Real Madrid have almost signed the deal for the left footed midfielder who will join the Castilla next summer.
#3 Abel Ruiz (Premier League clubs)
The 17-year-old is seen as one of the brightest talents in La Masia at the moment and displayed just that at the U-17 Euros. He was Spain's star attraction in the tournament where they were beaten in the final by Portugal. Three Premier League clubs have monitored Ruiz who might leave the Catalans just as many other talented teenagers have done in recent years in search of regular playing time.
Arsenal reportedly had a bid rejected for the striker back in January 2016 but are expected to renew their interest soon. Chelsea have held talks with the player's family whereas Manchester City have also entered the race. It will be interesting to see who Ruiz will choose or whether he will stay at Barcelona and prove his mettle for the Catalans.
#2 Takefusa Kubo (Real Madrid)
The teenage sensation is hailed as being the Japanese Messi with many comparing his playing style to the best player in the world. He left FC Barcelona in 2015 after FIFA charged the Spanish club with violating youth player policy. He joined FC Tokyo with the FIFA rule stating that the Catalans cannot sign him till he turns 18.
Understanding that, Real Madrid have entered the equations and are reportedly luring Kubo to the Bernabeu. The teenager is considered as one of the best Asian talents at the moment with Real Madrid ready to pay a huge signing fee to FC Tokyo. Kubo had joined Barcelona in 2011 and scored 74 goals in 30 matches for the club's U-11 team and will soon be seen in action leading his country at the U-17 World Cup.
#1 Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid)
The 17-year-old has already signed for Los Blancos in a record £39.6 million deal which made him the second highest signing from the Brazilian league after Neymar Jr. He is considered as a special talent but has made just one senior appearance for Flamengo until now.
His participation at the upcoming FIFA U-17 World Cup is unclear at the moment with the player still not joining his teammates for the preparation. Brazil coach Carlos Amadeu reflected on the issue, "The situation with Vinicius is unclear at the moment. We should wait for the release from his club. We have to wait and watch whether he is coming with the Brazilian team or not," suggesting that Indian football fans might have to miss out on the chance to see first hand this future superstar.
