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Belgium, Turkey, Kosovo, Serbia, Albania, and even England. The national teams of these countries want to have him in their squad. "Barcelona", Turin's "Juventus". These clubs are closely monitoring him. And he is only eighteen. Who is he? It's Adnan Januzaj - the talent, savior, and future star of "Manchester United".
The surname of A.Januzaj, who was born in Brussels, was not widely known until the weekend. Scouts were watching this footballer, the boy was still being raised for the market. But that was until Saturday.
With fame - and headache
It was on that day that A.Januzaj's star shone brightest, long illuminating headlines around the world. In the English Premier League match, the Manchester United right-back saved his team. The "Red Devils" were trailing for a long time in the match against "Sunderland" after an early goal was scored.
But then the young Belgian eased the nerves that had been causing the coach headaches for more than a half. Strike. Goal. Strike. Goal. Within six minutes, A.Januzaj twice beat the opponent's goalkeeper, and "Manchester United" celebrated a 2-1 victory.
He ran towards his own fans twice and smiled like never before - after all, the dream of the boy who came from Belgium to a club respected worldwide was coming true.
When the stadium gates opened, another door opened - to the wider world, where A.Januzaj is sought after by both countries and clubs.
"After all, he is Belgian," say football fans, but his home country is not the main factor for A.Januzaj. He has already rejected offers from Belgium to represent the country in the under-18 and under-19 national teams.
Multiple options for national teams
A.Januzaj's mother is from Kosovo, but this country is not leading anywhere in the footballer's ambitions. Kosovo does not have a capable football team and is not planning to improve the situation here, as it is constantly involved in disputes with Serbia, seeking to defend its status as an independent territory.
FIFA allows Kosovo to play international friendly matches, but on the condition that national symbols are not visible in the matches.
A.Januzaj's grandparents are from Serbia and Turkey. But the boy has not shown a desire to wear the national team jerseys of either of these countries.
Both Serbia and Turkey have their place on the football map, so it would be a perspective for the young player here, but for A.Januzaj, this is not important.
The eyes of the boy born in Belgium are turned towards his father's homeland - Albania. The latter is not idle either - in various ways it tries to attract the footballer who would make the country famous.
"His father's position is very clear - his son must have a place in the starting lineup. And then other things will be considered," said A.Januzaj's agent Dirk de Vries. "We receive letters from famous people who are interested in his future. In Albania, there is even a TV show about him. It is designed to convince Adnan to choose the national team of this country."
"The only country he cannot play for is the country he works in. It's even funny to talk about Adnan Januzaj wearing the England national team jersey," wrote Daily Mail sports columnist Martin Samuel.
However, in England there is already talk that the "Manchester United" talent could join the "Three Lions".
"There is no doubt that he is a real talent," said England's national team coach Roy Hodgson about the young Belgian.
"We are watching him, but there is much to discuss. He has been at Manchester United for a long time. But there are many nuances to consider when it comes to naturalizing players. Yes, he could play for England if naturalized," Hodgson said in an interview with the BBC, receiving criticism from many - the lack of young talents among English footballers is a particularly painful discussion in this country.
And Hodgson's words were not empty. "Manchester United" coach David Moyes confirmed that the English Football Association (FA) had approached the "Red Devils".
"There is a possibility that he could make it into the national team through our club," Moyes said. "But he has more than one choice. He could point his finger at three or four countries."
Competing against Europe's giants
"Manchester City," "Barcelona," Turin's "Juventus." All of these powerhouses of the Old Continent are closely monitoring the young footballer. Scouts are analyzing his game, and clubs are waiting for the eighteen-year-old in the Manchester United camp to feel uncomfortable.
The pressure on the English champions is huge, but they are doing everything to keep the footballer in the team. If until the moment when A.Januzaj's name circled the world, he did not have a serious long-term contract, everything will now change.
"Manchester United" has already offered the young man a £60,000 weekly salary. And in order to further strengthen their position, they decided to register him for Champions League matches.
The "Barcelona" club, although desired practically by every player in the world, is not the main rival of "Manchester United." According to foreign media, the Turin "Juventus" team has the best chance of luring the player.
But for now, the scales are tipped in favor of "Manchester United".
"Sir Ferguson's departure left a big mark on negotiations, but we are still talking," said agent D. de Vries.
Praised by a "Manchester United" legend
"He is a real talent," Moyes marveled at the footballer. The coach who replaced Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United has worked with globally renowned footballers and believes that A.Januzaj is a unique player.
"Everton" gave the debut opportunity to Wayne Rooney and Ross Barkley. He belongs to the same category," the coach said. "We are thinking a lot about A.Januzaj. I tried to include him in the team several times in the last few weeks, but for various reasons, it didn't happen. Why is he good? He can play in various positions and work well there."
Moyes's words are sweet to the young footballer, but he also received praise from the coach whose name is inscribed in "Old Trafford" fortress for eternity.
"Adnan is an amazingly balanced player. He is only eighteen and he needs to grow. But he is fast and very technical. These qualities of the footballer are perfectly balanced," A.Ferguson was quoted as saying by Manchester United. A.Ferguson, who won 49 trophies during his career, handed the number 44 shirt to young A.Januzaj in his last match and chose the Belgian for the starting lineup. However, at that time, A.Januzaj did not get a chance to shine.
