Manchester City Captures French U-16 Star Jules Olivier Ntcham

Manchester City fans need to remember the name Jules Olivier Ntcham. Ntcham will be one of the minor transactions over the summer that will receive little press, but will pay big dividends in the future.

Jules Olivier Ntcham is one of the most promising youngsters in France—if not the world. He is currently the captain of France's U-16 squad. the 16-year-old currently plies his trade for Le Havre of Ligue 2 in France.

Talksport has reported the young midfielder has signed a four-year deal with the current Premier League champions. With very little news on the transfer front for most of the summer, Manchester City fans have had to be content with the shiny trophy ripped from the grasp of crosstown rivals United.

What Ntcham brings is a technically gifted midfield maestro with a huge upside. He possesses leadership skills beyond his years, and has the makings of a Patrick Vieira-type player. We have seen the Vieira label placed on many young French players for years, but that comes with players who are physically imposing and move well.

Ntcham is head and shoulders above the competition in his age group from a physical standpoint. He uses that physical presence to win and hold the ball. He has the speed to move past people. His passing vision still needs fine-tuning, but is ahead of the curve for a 16-year-old.

Ntcham comes into an ideal situation where he will be able to grow into his position. The talent at City will only raise his level of play.

With his package of skills, and the training afforded him in Manchester, Ntcham should develop into a box-to-box midfielder who can impose his will from the heart of the midfield. If he reaches only half of the potential his abilities could allow, then Manchester City will have gotten the bargain of the summer.