Senegal have intensified their efforts to convince Olympique Lyon academy prospect Adil Hamdani to represent the Lions of Teranga as competition grows over the teenager’s international future.
The highly rated left winger is regarded as one of Lyon’s brightest young talents and is eligible to represent three countries at senior international level.
Born in France to an Algerian father and a Senegalese mother, Hamdani can choose between France, Algeria and Senegal.
Senegal leading the race
The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has been working for several weeks to persuade the youngster to commit to the West African nation as part of its ongoing strategy of recruiting talented dual-national players.
Its interest has reportedly intensified following Hamdani’s impressive performance in Lyon’s pre-season friendly against Swiss side St. Gallen, where the teenager again showcased his potential.
Senegal have enjoyed considerable success in attracting dual-national players in recent years, with the likes of Ibrahim Mbaye and Mamadou Sarr choosing to represent the Lions of Teranga after similar recruitment efforts.
Discreet approach to recruitment
Rather than relying solely on official contact, the FSF has adopted a discreet strategy in its pursuit of Hamdani.
According to reports, representatives linked to Senegalese sports management agencies in France have been in regular contact with people close to the player to present Senegal’s long-term sporting project.
The approach mirrors the one used during the successful recruitment of Ibrahim Mbaye, with discussions taking place well before the player made his international decision.
Algeria yet to make contact
Hamdani currently represents France at Under-17 level, but reports suggest he remains open to representing Senegal, the country of his mother’s birth.
Meanwhile, Algeria are yet to make contact with the teenager despite his eligibility through his father.
That has fuelled suggestions that the Algerian Football Federation could be in danger of losing out on one of Lyon’s most promising academy graduates if it does not act quickly.
With uncertainty surrounding the left wing position in Algeria’s senior national team, Hamdani is viewed by many as a player capable of becoming a valuable long-term option.
For now, no decision has been made regarding his international future, but Senegal appear to have taken the early advantage in the race for the highly rated winger’s allegiance.
