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Manchester United and Chelsea are interested in young Tromso defender Abubacarr Sedi Kinteh. The 19-year-old has impressed in Norway this season, with scouts across Europe reportedly tracking his progress.
The Daily Mail has reported United and Chelsea are among these clubs, and may be plotting a potential summer move for the player. Kinteh has impressed scouts with his pace and his physique, with the player reportedly clocking speeds of nearly 37km/h, putting him on pace with the Premier League’s fastest player Micky van de Ven.
Kinteh is Gambian, but hails from the Mawade Wade academy in Senegal which is a partner of Tromso. After a successful trial with Tromso in February of 2025, he was offered a five-year contract at the club. United and Chelsea are also known to have strong connections in Norway, and have followed the player closely.
They face competition from Switzerland however, with Swiss sides Basel and Young Boys reportedly considering a swoop in the near future. The transfer window in Switzerland remains open until next week 16 February, and both clubs are considering launching a bid before then.
United and Chelsea in for Kinteh
Tromso are seeking around £4m for their young talent which would present a bargain option for most interested suitors. Kinteh is a left side centre back who can also play at left back.
Both United and Chelsea are known to be on the market for defensive reinforcements. Chelsea missed out on Rennes’ centre back Jeremy Jacquet who has agreed to join Liverpool next summer.Â
Interest from both Manchester United and Chelsea highlights how quickly Premier League betting markets can respond as clubs position themselves for the seasons ahead.
The Blues are in search of young defenders amid long term injuries to much of their central defenders. United are known to be prioritizing midfield reinforcements next summer but are also in search of defenders.
The long term future of Harry Maguire continues to be uncertain with the player’s contract set to expire at the end of the season.
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