He has been scouted by most of Europe’s top clubs, has drawn comparisons with Gareth Bale and does not turn 17 until May.
Ryan Sessegnon is still on the scholarship deal he signed last summer but has already made 14 first-team appearances for Fulham and is one of the brightest prospects in English football.
In August, he became the youngest scorer in the Championship’s history when he gave Fulham the lead in their 2-2 draw with Cardiff. Sunday’s FA Cup fourth-round tie against Hull promises to be another important stage of his development, as it is his first competitive match against Premier League opposition.
Those who know Sessegnon expect him to rise to the challenge. Huw Jennings and Malcolm Elias worked with him at the Fulham academy, just as they did with Bale when he was working his way towards the Southampton first team a decade ago.
Just as Bale did, Sessegnon has started his career as an attacking, left-sided full-back. His powerful running style is comparable, as is the unassuming personality. Yet while Bale had to leave Cardiff to build his career, Sessegnon still lives a short distance from Fulham’s training ground.
His twin brother, Steven, is also on Fulham’s books and can play in defence or midfield and has played for the club’s Under-23 team this season. Ryan’s nephew — the son of elder brother Yannick — has trained with the Under-10 squad. Another brother, Chris, is with Margate in National League South. Stephane Sessegnon, the former Sunderland and West Brom forward who is now with Montepllier, is a cousin.
Ryan grew up a Liverpool fan, which created a rivalry with Steven, who follows Manchester City. Both clubs have shown a strong interest in Ryan, particularly Liverpool, who believe he could be the long-term solution at left-back.
City are also keen, as are Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham, while Juventus, Red Bull Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund are keeping a close eye on the situation.
In Pictures | Cardiff City vs Fulham | 08/01/2017
Sessegnon’s professional contract at Fulham will be activated after he turns 17. It will be intriguing to see how the big clubs tackle the situation when the campaign ends. It is not exact science for Sessegnon, either: many players have joined top-flight clubs as teenagers, only to lose their way. Yet given Sessegnon’s steady temperament, he will be confident of making the right decision.
For now, Sessegnon’s priority is to help Fulham win promotion and earn them a spot in the fifth round of the FA Cup. It seems more glamorous matches lie ahead.
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