Manchester United have plenty of academy talents who get international call-ups, but only one represents Spain.
When Sir Jim Ratcliffe labelled the academy as struggling, he was likely not talking about the talent levels currently possessed by Manchester United at almost every age group.
United have players who are in their nation’s best players, many playing up age groups like Jacob Devaney with Ireland’s U21 side, as he shone against £30m players like Jobe Bellingham.
Now, one very talented goalkeeper has been called up by Spain to their U17 national team side.
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Darlington Osuchukwu named in Spanish U17 side again
Within the United academy, there are plenty of talented goalkeepers, such as Charlie Hardy, who is usually in the England set-up. But one talent often forgotten is Darlington Osuchukwu.
Osuchukwu is only 16, yet has been involved in one U18 squad this season, with goalkeepers not usually playing above their age group.
But he’s been handed a call-up above his age group for Spain.
Darlington Osuchukwu holds ball in England training gear.
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Osuchukwu has represented England at U16 level, but now Spain have taken the edge in the tug of war for his signature.
X account RedYouthUnited has revealed that Osuchukwu is in the Spanish U17 squad to take on Portugal, Germany, and Finland later this month.
Osuchukwu is the only England-based player in this squad, proving how valued he is by the Spanish FA and how badly they want to convince him to commit, which is good for United.
This isn’t his first call-up, as he played against the Czech Republic back in November for Spain.
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Manchester United face battle to keep Darlington Osuchukwu
By all accounts, Osuchukwu is a wonderful young goalkeeper, and as a result he has become wanted by clubs in Spain.
This season alone, there have been rumours of Osuchukwu being wanted by Real Madrid and also Athletic Club.
The Basque side are eyeing Osuchukwu given he used to play for Gazte Berriak as a youngster which could make him eligible in their recruitment demands.
United won’t be keen to see him leave though as he is clearly a top talent, so don’t be shocked to see U18 minutes ramp up at the end of this season and maybe even a pre-scholarship deal considered.
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