Ex-Man Utd wonderkid Largie Ramazani snubbed Old Trafford deal for Almeria transfer, where he is becoming a star
NOT many players are brave enough to leave the comfortable Old Trafford nest.
But in 2019, ambitious wonderkid Largie Ramazani bravely rejected a contract with Manchester United and left the club for more first team football.
The Belgium forward, now 21, moved to Spanish second division club Almeria as a free agent – signing a five-year contract.
In his first campaign, his nine goals in all competitions helped his side earn promotion to LaLiga.
And already he is proving to be a dangerous outlet for his new side – scoring against Real Madrid and Sevilla this campaign.
Highly-rated
Brussels-born Ramazani began his youth career at Charlton Athletic, before United swooped when he was 16.
Part of a set of promising youngsters that included Brandon Williams, Angel Gomes, Tahith Chong and Ethan Laird, it was thought United had a ‘Class of 2020’ that could rival their infamous ‘Class of ’92’.
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In 2019, he made his first team debut – coming on as a sub in a 2-1 defeat to FC Astana in the Europa League.
For the U23’s he was also flying – leading the scoring with nine goals in 13 games.
But it wasn’t enough. Ramazani wanted first team football.
In 2020, he didn’t start a single game for the club – it is believed he made his intentions to leave after rejecting several contract offers to stay.
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Plus, it was also reported United felt very little need to include a player in their development squad, when he was adamant he didn’t want to be there.
In June, 2020 he was released from the club.
Emotional goodbye
Upon leaving the Premier League giants, Ramazani was thankful for his experience.
He even penned an emotional goodbye on social media.
He wrote: “I prepared a text for here today.
“The life of an athlete is made by challenges. Some are given to us. Others are fruits of our decision to keep the light that illuminates our career, which is short.
“I want to thank the club for helping me become a better footballer/person and for making me and my family feel at home during my time here.
“After all the years I can only say thank you to the club, to the fans that have supported me since the first day I wore this jersey and of course thank you and good luck to my team-mates, who helped me settle in since day one not only as a teammate but as friends/family.
“Today I will say goodbye to Manchester United but I take with me many memories, lessons and great moments that will love with me forever. It has been one of the best years of my football career.
“At last I want to wish the club many success for the future and thank the club for giving me the opportunity.
“Thank you. Largie Ramazani”
Fresh start
In August, 2020 he signed for LaLiga2 club Almeria.
Immediately he built a special rapport with Umar Sadiq, who moved to Real Sociedad on transfer deadline day and ironically gave United the run around in the Europa League last week.
Finding his feet in Andalusi, Ramazani was instrumental in the club’s promotion to LaLiga.
Playing on either flank or as a central striker, the lightning-quick starlet scored nine times in 33 games in his debut season.
Following his superb start to life at Almeria, Monaco reportedly tried to convince him to move to Ligue 1 this summer.
However, Almeria didn’t want to lose their prized asset and he snubbed the French club’s advances.
Continuing his rise
And that was clearly a good decision.
Ramazani has taken his form from last season into this one – scaring defences in Spain’s top flight with his rapid pace, excellent control with both feet, and dribbling skills that’s left LaLiga’s best defenders quaking in their boots.
Case in point his LaLiga debut against the European Champions, Real Madrid.
Within six minutes, his acceleration left Nacho and Antonio Rudiger for dead.
Faced with in-form Thibaut Courtois to beat he remained ice cool – elegantly slotting the ball past him.
The celebration wasn’t bad either – a flying somersault to the delight of the home faithful.
Almeria were edged out 2-1, but a star was born.
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Ramazani has since scored against Sevilla this season too – repeating his forward flip while becoming a fans’ favourite.
To think he could have been a Man Utd favourite if things had turned out differently.