Stoke City, Norwich City eyed striker after Manchester United exit

Stoke City, Norwich City and Swansea City all wanted Cardiff City new boy Sekou Kaba after his Manchester United exit, the player has said.

Stoke City, Norwich City and Swansea City were all in the market for new signings in January. SCFC set about bringing in a couple of fresh faces to back new boss Mark Robins.

The Canaries and the Swans meanwhile looked to back their bosses, with Johannes Hoff Thorup in charge at Carrow Road will the since sacked Luke Williams was in charge in South Wales.

However, also in South Wales, Cardiff City set about some business, setting up a deal for Sekou Kaba after his Manchester United departure and announcing his signing after the closure of the transfer window.

Now, the 17-year-old striker has revealed all of Stoke City, Norwich City and Swansea City also wanted to sign him.

Speaking to Africa Foot about the interest from SCFC, Norwich and the Swans, Kaba went on to explain why he decided to sign for Cardiff City. He said:

FM24 Sekou Kaba - Football Manager 2024

“Several clubs were interested in me, including Stoke City, Swansea City, and Norwich City.

“But after discussing it with my management team, we decided Cardiff was the best option. And we have absolutely no regrets about this decision. It’s an ideal setting for a great experience and to progress.

“I chose Cardiff because it offers me a more direct path to the first-team. I’ll be playing with the U21s rather than the U18s, which is a real plus for my progression.”

Kicking on at Cardiff City

Kaba made the move to Cardiff City viewed as an exciting prospect at Manchester United, but injuries have hampered his progression early on and the chance to make a fresh start elsewhere arose.

Having impressed at other youth levels, Stoke City, Norwich City and Swansea city may well have all fancied their chances of striking a shrewd deal for the teenager while his stock was a little lower.

There’s no doubt Kaba is a talent of great potential though. A move may not have made waves off the bat as he settles in and continues his development in academy football, but it could prove to be a very shrewd signing for the Bluebirds further down the line.

U21 | Sekou Kaba joins the Bluebirds | Cardiff

The two-week break

In the present day, all of the aforementioned Championship clubs will be looking to make the most of this two-week break.

That is especially the case for Stoke City, who are fighting against relegation. Mark Robins has struggled to lift SCFC clear of the bottom three fight, so they must rest and recharge over the next 14 days before giving it their all in their last eight games.