French, Belgian and German clubs face hurdle in race to sign youngest player at 2025 U20 Afcon

Flying Eagles goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt is attracting growing interest from European clubs after a string of standout performances at the 2025 Africa U20 Cup of Nations in Egypt.

Born on October 21, 2009, the Sporting Lagos Academy shot-stopper is the youngest player at the tournament, but his composure and commanding displays between the posts have earned him widespread recognition.

According to the Confederation of African Football website, clubs from France, Belgium and Germany are closely monitoring Harcourt’s development, with several teams extending invitations for training and assessment camps.

However, these unnamed European suitors face domestic competition as Nigerian top-flight clubs are also showing strong interest in the highly-rated teenager.

Harcourt turned heads after keeping three clean sheets in his first four appearances at the U20 Afcon.

His impressive form was only interrupted by a second half substitution due to injury during Nigeria's narrow defeat to South Africa on Thursday.

The 15-year-old now faces a race against time to be fit for Sunday’s third-place playoff against hosts Egypt.

While Harcourt’s rise has caught the eye of top European clubs, Fifa regulations remain a hurdle.

Under Article 19 of the Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players, international transfers of players under the age of 18 are prohibited, meaning Harcourt cannot move abroad until at least 2027.

Despite the delay, interest in Harcourt remains strong, with one European scout believing that, with proper guidance, he could develop into one of Africa’s top goalkeepers within five years.

Among the clubs present in Egypt are Belgian side Racing Genk and Swiss Super League outfit FC Sion, both of whom are reportedly assessing multiple emerging African talents.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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