#WatfordFC working on ambitious move for Nigeria U20 star Daniel Daga from under noses of Europe’s top clubs. The 16yr-old def-midfielder seen at Vicarage Road at the weekend to watch QPR win. Tracked by CL clubs during U20 World Cup playing above age grp. More @TeleFootball From Mike McGrath
From Nigeria so "playing above age grp" always has to be considered as not actually being the case. He'd have to go to Udinese first for a season and a half anyway before he could join us based on his supposed age.
I might be wrong here but I thought players can't move continents to play football before they're 18 (unless their parents move for "reasons unconnected with football")?
Could Nigerians move to Europe as a result of reconnecting with a long lost relative writing to them and telling them they were entitled to €250k from the estate of a distant uncle or prince ? Nothing to do with football at all.
Ah yes, you're right. I was aware of that being the case for Brazilian players, but didn't realise FIFA had made it a policy for everywhere a few years ago. I suppose due to Brexit and following Watford it's not an issue which crops up very often.
I think if you're an EU citizen you can move countries at 16 (obviously some S. Americans might have EU passports, but Nigerians are unlikely to)
Suggestions that this would be pursuant to the new ESC rules but I’m not sure how that would circumvent the fifa rules @reids @lowerrous From Mike McGrath’s article: Watford are working on an ambitious move for Nigeria Under-20 international Daniel Daga from under the noses of Europe’s biggest clubs. The 16-year-old defensive midfielder was at Vicarage Road at the weekend to watch the Championship opener against QPR, according to sources. He has been tracked by Champions League clubs since playing above his age group and starring at this summer’s Under-20 World Cup, where he impressed in Nigeria’s victory over Argentina in the knockout stages. AC Milan scouted him in the tournament and were discussing a move for the player who has been playing for One Rocket FC and Dakkada FC in his homeland, although Paolo Maldini’s departure as sporting director opened the door for rivals. Watford have been among the English clubs who are looking to take advantage of the new “elite significant contribution” (ESC) rules from the Football Association that allow clubs two wildcard squad places for ESC players who do not meet current work-permit requirements. Daga would certainly be considered a player with potential to make it to the top. He has been invited to train with Nigeria’s senior squad and was only prevented from doing so through injury. He is expected to be invited to play with the seniors this season. From the start he has made to his career, he has drawn comparisons with John Obi Mikel, the Nigerian who enjoyed a glittering career with Chelsea. While Watford missed out on Championship promotion last season, they could provide a clearer pathway to the first team compared to some of the Champions League clubs who have been chasing Daga. Daga would be one for the future for the club, and they are also in the market for first-team players for Valerien Ismael’s squad this season. They are leading the chase for Sory Kaba, who helped keep Cardiff in the Championship last season. He could leave Midtjylland in Denmark for £2 million.
I'm not convinced it would circumvent the FIFA rules? I think when he turns 18 he could just join without a permit if we were to use an ESC slot, but I can't imagine they supersede the anti child trafficking rules! That being said, these new rules really open Africa up to clever clubs - it's an absolute goldmine talent wise and a few clubs currently have a monopoly (Red Bull + FC Nordsjaelland) on most of the talent coming out of there. Would cost very little to setup an academy in Africa with huge potential benefits.
As per the post above from @reids , yeah I'd be surprised if that was able to circumvent the FIFA restrictions. With the ESC rules, we are currently able to sign two players who do not meet work permit requirements, but we'll have to play an average of 2.2 out of 11 English qualifying players across this season in order to actually have even one spot we could use for next season on someone like Daga. That could be one of the reasons why we have started TDB over Kone, and also let Ferreira go but kept Ngakia and Andrews. As an aside, I wonder if he likes the idea of joining us because at the club he played for last season he wore a very similar kit:
This is the sort of link that gets my hornet heart racing. None of this plodding championship experience for me, I want someone with a dangerous name and the hope he could turn out good.
Plus the added excitement of us getting a two day transfer ban in a few years because one of his old clubs pops up asking for a few quid.
Nigeria produces so many exciting young players who always seem to retire at 29 due to exhaution! Excited about this one.
I believe 98.7% of the Nigerian population is below 23 and played for the Nigerian international football youth set up.
That's a tad surprising - they seem a way off the most popular team even in Nigeria. Also, is the kit made of flesh? Are you perhaps hankering after a kebab?
This photo seems to have been taken a few weeks ago. Seems likely a deal is already in place and that he'll join once he turns 18 in the next January transfer window: https://twitter.com/WFCSean/status/1753782445709701133
Nice find @lowerrous According to the ever reliable Wikipedia, he will be 18 in Jan 2025 so as you say, might make the move in that transfer window. Scout report (not by me) below https://footballtalentscout.net/2023/07/04/daniel-daga-scouting-report-by-nene-afadzinu/
