PARIS, June 21 (Xinhua) -- Promising Jordi Mboula became the fifth close season signing of Ligue 1 champions Monaco, the club announced on Wednesday.

The 18-year-old winger signed a five-year deal with Monaco after his departure from Barcelona.

Mboula scored eight goals to cap his shining performance in last season's UEFA Youth League. He is also a member of the Spanish youth team.

"Mboula has demonstrated his quality in Barca's youth academy. Monaco are offering him an ideal environment for his future development," commented Monaco vice-president Vadim Vasilyev.

Monaco finished a memorable 2016-17 season as they shattered Paris Saint-Germain's dominance over the past four years in French top-flight league with the title, also witnessing rapid growth of many talented youngsters, highlighted by the 18-year-old sensation Kylian Mbappe.

After their playmaker Bernardo Silva's move to Premier League side Manchester City, Monaco put their radar on promising young players, as they signed Belgian midfielder Youri Tielemans, defender Jordy Gaspar and midfielder Soualiho Meite.

The Swiss international goalkeeper Diego Benaglio, 33, might be an exception to their recruiting strategy, but he would undoubtedly serve as a good supplement to Danijel Subasic, or even fill the void if the highly-wanted Croatian finally made his move from the Ligue 1 titleholders. Enditem

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)