Wilfried Zaha Shows Ryan Sessegnon Why He Must Stay At Fulham For Now

Wilfried Zaha Shows Ryan Sessegnon Why He Must Stay At Fulham For Now
14:48, 11 May 2018

Ryan Sessegnon has his pick of Europe’s biggest and best clubs this summer, with Paris Saint-Germain the latest team to be reportedly interested in the Fulham teenager. The 17-year-old has enjoyed a breakthrough year at Fulham and should he choose to, sparking a frenzied race to secure his signature.

He will be tempted. It’s only natural that he would be, such is the lure of playing for a club like Manchester United or Arsenal or Chelsea or PSG. Not only would he receive a significant bump in pay, which is tempting enough, but he would have the chance to play at the highest level of the sport, in the Premier League and in the Champions League.

But this presents Sessegnon with a critical juncture in his fledgling career. He should look at the example set by Wilfried Zaha, who was this weekend named the Premier League’s Player of the Month. Not so long ago, Zaha faced a similar choice after a breakthrough season in the Championship. He too was one of the most sought-after young players in England.

Zaha decided to join Manchester United, making the move to Old Trafford for ___ million. But the switch was too much too soon for the winger. He failed to make any sort of impression, folding under the pressure that was heaped on his shoulders while he was still a teenager. Now, Zaha has rediscovered his form, but it is at a lower level and there is a sense that he has wasted a crucial part of his career.

Sessegnon, if he is to become the true star that so many believe he will be, cannot afford to make the same mistake. This is why he must stay at Fulham for the time being. Even if the Cottagers fail to earn promotion to the Premier League this season, it is the best place for Sessegnon to be at this stage of his development. He is still only 17. First team football is what he needs right now. Would he get that at Manchester United or PSG? It seems unlikely.

Of course, the point could be made that at 17 Sessegnon could still make the move to a superclub before being loaned out to keep playing first team football at a lower level, preparing him for the top level later in his career. Look at how loan moves prepared Harry Kane for life at the top. The same could work for Sessegnon. 

He must have patience, though. Make the wrong move now and it could hinder his development, and therefore the rest of his career. Zaha still hasn’t worked his way back to the top of the game after making a misstep a number of years ago. Sessegnon must heed the warning that the Crystal Palace winger offers him.

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