Almeria: Tchami, the Bissau teenager with a €40m price tag
Is Marciano Tchami the next great African striker in Europe? For now, it is too early to say yes.
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He is only 19, but Marciano Tchami already has all the makings of a top striker. The Bissau native (born on 3 March 2004) is turning the heads of Villarreal's recruiters. With a 40 million euro clause set by Almeria, the figure looks staggering for a youngster yet to play a single Liga match. For now, Marciano Tchami is honing his game with Almeria's reserve side, who are quietly keeping their gem under wraps.
The Andalusian club spotted Marciano Tchami last year at Leixões, a Portuguese second-division side. A talent who, very soon, could be seen in the Spanish top flight. "Marciano is another talent coming to the Academy after being identified by the club's scouting department. In fact, during his time in Portugal, his progress was remarkable. He became a highly rated striker, with offers from major Portuguese teams", writes transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano.
Almeria were the first club to sniff out the opportunity and sign him in 2021. It was a bold gamble, but one that could very quickly be vindicated if Marciano Tchami is sold. It will no doubt prove the heist of the century. All the more so as the youngster had only played 4 games for his former Portuguese club.
Why are clubs rushing for the youngster?
Marciano Tchami is gradually being integrated into Almeria's first team, with whom he is under contract until 2024. Despite the many admirers, Almería want to keep Marciano, knowing his potential. It will not be easy, though. According to Fabrizio Romano, Atlético de Madrid and Villarreal in Spain, and Brighton in England, are reportedly keeping a close eye on his progress. All three are very likely to move for a centre-forward in the next transfer window and see the young Almeria player as a potential option.
Aware of the possible avalanche of suitors who will descend on Marciano in the near future, Almería have got ahead of the game and set a clause of 40 million euros. That is a considerable sum for such a young footballer.
Jim CEESAY