Barcelona and Liverpool are reportedly among four clubs closely monitoring the progress of 16-year-old Ivorian defensive sensation Obli Kouame Jean Mederic.

According to a report by Africa Foot, Obli Kouame Jean Mederic has garnered a market across Europe with his exploits in the Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations. Barcelona and Liverpool are keeping tabs on the 16-year-old defensive sensation, with Atalanta and Marseille also closely monitoring his progress.

Who is Obli Kouame Jean Mederic?

Obli Kouame Jean Mederic is the latest highly-rated prospect to rise in prominence in Africa. The continent has produced many promising prodigies in the last few years, some before they move to Europe and some after they establish a foothold at a club in Europe. These include Lamine Camara, Karim Konate, and Wilfried Nathan Douala.

As for Mederic, the highly-rated defender has spent his formative years thus far in his homeland and currently turns out for FC Mouna. However, the 16-year-old has risen in prominence due to his exploits in the Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations, making three appearances thus far in the competition based out of Morocco.

Meanwhile, the youngster’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs across Europe. Barcelona and Liverpool are among the prospective suitors vying for the Ivorian defensive sensation’s signature, with Atalanta and Marseille also keen on signing him.

A boy in demand

Barcelona’s interest in Obli Kouame Jean Mederic makes sense. The Catalan giants constantly comb the market for highly-rated prospects across the world, and they signed African prodigies like Ibrahim Diarra and Arouna Traore last year. Reports have also linked Barcelona with Relebohile Mofokeng, and Mederic is a viable long-term target.

As for Liverpool, the Reds are in a spot of bother over Virgil van Dijk’s long-term future. The veteran Dutch defender has entered the final few months of his contract, with talks over a new deal not progressing much. Even if van Dijk stays, Mederic can join Liverpool as a long-term option as he can learn the ropes from the club captain before becoming a regular.

Apart from Barcelona and Liverpool, Atalanta and Marseille are also vying for Mederic’s signature. It will be interesting to see where the 16-year-old Ivorian defensive sensation lands when he moves to Europe.