Rochdale manager Brian Barry-Murphy has handed Rangers a boost in their pursuit of Kwadwo Baah, telling the Manchester Evening News that a move to Manchester City is far from a done deal.
Almost ten years ago, a sprightly nine-year old left an indelible imprint on talent-spotter Joe Shields, catching the eye of Catford-based grassroots club Moonshot FC.
Flash forward to January 2021 and Shields, now City’s head of academy recruitment, clearly hasn’t forgotten about one of English football’s rising stars.
The Guardian reports that Baah is expected to reunite with Shields at the Etihad when his contract expires at the end of season.
Now 18, the German-born forward has been one of the Football League’s breakthrough stars; his twinkling toes and eye for goal earning him plenty of admirers at Rochdale and beyond.
The Athletic reports that West Ham United boss David Moyes has been in contact to discuss a move to the London Stadium, while Rangers have their sights set on another England-based starlet with an expiring contract.
But, while City are still at the front of the queue, Barry-Murphy insists that Baah is not yet destined to end up in Manchester.
“He’s probably one of the most talented wide players we’ve ever had at the club,” Barry-Murphy explained.
“From my point of view, I understand the deal with Manchester City is still not completed so a lot of other clubs are monitoring that closely.
“It’s not my job to drum up business for him or where he’s going to go or drum up attention, I think he’s had enough of that already.
“But I think it’s far from concluded and I’m privileged to have him in our squad going forward because even today I thought most of our attacking moments were through him and, at 18, that’s great credit to him.”
It almost goes without saying that, at City, first-team football would be hard to come by.
He only has to look at the rapid rise of Joe Aribo, Glen Kamara, Ryan Kent and more to realise that Rangers may be the ideal next step.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
