The Next Stop For Sergio Canales

Every once in a while, a young lad bursts on to the scene and reminds us all why we love the beautiful game; a player who can dribble without fear, tackle with courage and grab your attention for the full 90. This time around, Sergio Canales might just be that player.

Sixteen months after making his first team debut for hometown club Racing Santander, 18 year-old attacking midfielder Sergio Canales is one of the globe’s most sought after talents. A sensational brace against Seville in Santander’s recent La Liga encounter has seen the spotlight firmly focused on the young marvel. But with Sergio’s contract set to expire in the summer, the Canales family have a critical decision to make if their young gem is going to hit the heady heights predicted.  With heavyweights Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City, Real Madrid and Barcelona eager to sign the little Spaniard, here’s our evaluation of where the youngling should play next.

With heavyweights Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City, Real Madrid and Barcelona eager to sign the little Spaniard, here’s our evaluation of where the youngling should play next.

Arsenal. Arsene Wenger’s willingness to deploy youth in the big games means there’s no better place in Europe for young talent to learn their trade. Wenger can also point to the maturity of Cesc Fabregas, who joined the club at the age of 16, as the ultimate model of youth development. If Sergio joins, Sergio will play. Success rating: 9

Chelsea. The original advocates of the buy big ethos exhibited during Roman Abramovich’s first three years in charge. Under Carlo Ancelotti, Chelsea are slowly developing into a team that values youth development. Teenagers Fabio Borini and Gael Kakuta have both helped themselves to first team debuts under the Italian’s command. The Chelsea gamble lies with the fickle owner who, worryingly for Canales, is not adverse to rolling out of the wrong side of the bed in the morning and chopping a few players from the first team. Success rating: 8

Manchester City. What better way to make a name for yourself than star as the crown in the jewel of the most talked about club on the planet. The richest boys on the block can buy anyone they want. And that could prove the stumbling block. If Canales is looking for stability, guaranteed playing time and European football. Look again. Success rating: 6

Real Madrid Every professional dreams of playing for Los Blancos – the greatest club team in the world. With Florentine Perez’s second coming of the Galacticos in full swing, can Canales fit into a team that already boasts a glut of world class attacking talent. Probably not. Would be a dream move for the young  Spaniard… in five years time. Success rating: 7

Barcelona. World and European club champions. Lionel Messi. Pep Guardiola. It’s there for all to see. But can an 18 year-old wonder kid really make an immediate impact at a club that already has everything it needs? If he is seriously considering a move to the Catalan capital, Canales would do well to google the contrasting fortunes of Giovani Dos Santos and Bojan Krkic, two highly publicised Barca youth products who once had the world at their feet but seem to have lost their way. Success rating: 8

Racing Santander. The mid-table La Liga side are currently trying to convince their prodigy to extend his contract at the club. Racing hold some pretty key cards: Santander is home to Canales, he supported the club as a child and it is only a matter of time before he is a first team regular. Although chequebooks are being waved in front of the young lad’s face, sometimes it’s better to be a big fish in a little bowl. Success rating: 9