Why Ilaix Moriba’s Father Cancelled His Son’s Flight to Manchester City
Ilaix Moriba, the talented young midfielder who burst onto the scene at Barcelona in 2019, was on the verge of joining Manchester City before his father cancelled his flight. In a recent interview, Moriba’s father, Mamady Kourouma, revealed the reasons behind this decision and shed light on the negotiations between the two clubs.
The Potential Move to Manchester City
In 2019, doubts emerged over Moriba’s contract negotiations with Barcelona, and Manchester City saw an opportunity to sign the promising youngster. The club’s sporting director, Txiki Begiristain, met with Moriba and his father to discuss City’s project and their plans for the young midfielder. Impressed by what he heard, Moriba booked a plane ticket to Manchester to sign his first professional contract.
However, just before the flight, Moriba’s father made a last-minute decision to cancel the trip. He wanted his son to be an example and a reference for future generations of Barcelona players. By staying at Barcelona, it would demonstrate that the club was committed to nurturing and developing young talents like Moriba.
Kourouma explained his decision, saying, “His friends were gone. If he stayed, it was proof Barca was betting on the youth players. We managed to reach an agreement where we all came out winning.”
Barcelona’s Determination to Keep Moriba
Barcelona showed their determination to keep Moriba by making him the best-paid player in the history of their academy. They also included an £90 million release clause in his contract, highlighting their belief in his potential. This move was aimed at fending off interest from other clubs, including Manchester United and Chelsea.
Manchester United were reportedly eager to sign Moriba as a long-term replacement for Paul Pogba, while Chelsea saw him as a potential successor to N’Golo Kante. However, Moriba chose to continue his development in the Bundesliga and joined RB Leipzig for around £16 million in 2021.
The Future of Ilaix Moriba
Since joining RB Leipzig, Moriba has had a two-year loan spell with LaLiga giants Valencia. However, his future at the German club is currently uncertain. He was put up for sale in the summer transfer window, but no clubs showed interest in signing him.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future, Moriba’s talent and potential are undeniable. He has already proven himself at Barcelona and has the opportunity to further develop his skills at RB Leipzig. Whether he stays at the German club or moves on to another club in the future, Moriba’s journey is one to watch.
Conclusion
The decision to cancel Ilaix Moriba’s flight to Manchester City was a pivotal moment in his career. It demonstrated his father’s belief in Barcelona’s commitment to nurturing young talents and paved the way for Moriba to become the best-paid player in the history of the club’s academy. While his future may be uncertain at the moment, there is no doubt that Moriba has a bright future ahead of him. Whether he stays at RB Leipzig or moves on to another club, he has already proven himself as a talented midfielder with immense potential.