The son of Premier League legend Kolo Touré has taken a significant step in his own football career, signing for National League side Altrincham. Yassine Touré, a 19-year-old right-sided attacker, joins the club after a spell in the academy and reserve setup at Wrexham.
Following in Famous Footsteps
Yassine Touré is aiming to emulate the success of his father, Kolo, who won Premier League titles with both Arsenal and Manchester City before adding a Scottish Premiership crown with Celtic. The young forward has already experienced life at top clubs, having previously been part of the youth systems at Leicester City and Celtic.
His move to Altrincham, however, represents a determined move into the rough and tumble of men's football in the English non-league system. Interestingly, the signing brings him to the same Manchester area where his father is currently based, working as an assistant coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.
Manager's Vision and Immediate Plans
Altrincham manager Neil Gibson has spoken highly of his new recruit's potential. "Yassine has a lot of potential," Gibson stated. "He has a great physical capacity. He is very strong and, in one-on-one duels, he is quick and fast."
Gibson was also candid about the areas needing development, noting that an aspect of his game requires polishing and that he needs to adapt to senior men's football. Consequently, the club has a clear plan for his immediate future.
The teenager is not expected to stay at Altrincham for long initially, with a loan move to a club in the northern section of the Premier League West already planned. This strategy is designed to accelerate his development through regular game time.
"We are trying to get him game minutes at other clubs, either on loan or with a dual registration," Gibson explained. "We will work with him over the coming months to try to improve him to the point where he can compete for a place in the first team."
Building on a Hollywood-Backed Foundation
Yassine Touré arrives at Altrincham having gained senior football experience with Wrexham's reserve team, a club now famously backed by Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. While he is yet to make a first-team appearance for the Welsh side, his attitude has impressed.
"He is still young, and he has a good pedigree in terms of his time at Wrexham," added Gibson. "His attitude in training has been fantastic. He has worked very hard and looks like someone who, in the next six to twelve months, we could turn into a good National League footballer."
Displaying the same drive and commitment his father was renowned for on the pitch, Yassine Touré's journey now continues in the National League. With a structured development plan and a high-profile footballing pedigree, his progress will be watched with keen interest by fans and scouts alike.
