Manchester United are preparing to announce a new signing as Ineos continue to strengthen the club’s academy ranks.
Since the Ineos takeover, there has been a significant shift in transfer strategy that has seen Manchester United target younger, exciting talents rather than ready-made superstars.
The likes of Sekou Kone, Chido Obi and Ayden Heaven arrived last season, and this summer, Ineos have resumed their search for exciting youngsters.
The latest target is Southampton’s Harley Emsden-James, who at 16 years old is considered one of the brightest prospects in the Saints academy.
Harley Emsden-James says goodbye ahead of Man United move
It was reported in June that United struck a deal for Emsden-James with director of football Jason Wilcox playing a big role in raiding his former side.
It was later given the ‘Here we go’ seal of approval by Fabrizio Romano, who confirmed that the exciting defender had signed with the Red Devils.
Now, Emsden-James has taken one step closer to completing his move by issuing a goodbye message to Southampton.
Via Instagram, Emsden-James thanked the club for supporting him over the past nine years, before signing off the message with “on to the next chapter!”
Harley Emsden-James position and style of play
Emsden-James is another youngster that United fans will want to keep an eye on over the next few years, with a promising future ahead for the teenager.
At Southampton, Emsden-James has been coached as a centre-back and is said to have good leadership skills for a player of his age.
Despite being just 16, he has already established himself in the Southampton Under-18s, suggesting that is the level he could be playing at Carrington next season.
READ MORE: Man Utd U18s thrash QPR 8-2 in pre-season clash, JJ Gabriel scores world class goal
United were not the only club interested in Emsden-James, with Arsenal and Aston Villa also linked to his signature.
However, the Red Devils have won the race for the exciting defender, who will be hoping to take a big step at Carrington in 2025/26.
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