“You don't have to be very good at what you do. Just have a good scouting department” - Europe’s missed African talent opportunity

With Africa's massive population and passion for football, the continent's players could dominate globally if developed to their full potential, says leading scout Harry Varley.

The Yorkshireman has visited 18 African countries in the past year, scouting talent and assessing market conditions for Belgian club KAA Gent. But while Gent have got a head start, Varley says other European clubs are missing opportunities.

Why it matters: 25 per cent of the world’s most expensive transfers last year were for players of African or dual-African nationality. Yet the talent path from Africa to European football remains undeveloped and largely unexploited.

The perspective: Successful examples like JMG in Ivory Coast and Génération Foot in Senegal show the impact of proper investment in youth development and rely upon deep cultural engagement and genuine collaboration.