Manchester United and Chelsea have been “tracking” a Barcelona youngster, impressing in a European fixture, scoring two goals to give his side the win
Since Sir Jim Ratcliffe joined Manchester United, the transfer policy has largely focused on signing young players for a small fee who have great potential.
Christopher Vivell and Jason Wilcox both play a key role in the transfer team, with Vivell largely responsible for the signing of Sekou Kone.
Wilcox also appears to be playing a crucial role in the potential signing of Liam Delap from Ipswich Town, as he worked with the striker while at Manchester City.
Both the signings under Rúben Amorim also follow the young player strategy, with both Ayden Heaven and Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu impressing when given the chance.
This summer could see even more young players join the club, with a strong link to one of Barcelona’s youngsters.
United and Chelsea track Barcelona’s Torres
As reported by Sky Sports on Friday afternoon, Chelsea and United are interested in Barcelona academy player Juan Hernandez Torres.
Both clubs have been tracking the attacking midfielder throughout the season and are now debating activating his £5 million buyout clause when he turns 18 in July.
The 17-year-old has played most of his football this season for Barcelona’s under-19s side, playing a crucial role in winning the UEFA Youth League, scoring twice in the semi-final.
This would not be the first time United has signed a youngster from the Spanish side, as they most recently bought Marc Jurado in 2020/21 for the under-18s, but Jurado has now moved back to Spain after several years in the academy.
However, unlike Jurado, Torres could be immediately loaned out to INEOS-owned Laussane next season, as has been rumoured if United sign Le Havre youngster Enzo Kana-Biyik.
Loan moves for youngsters need to improve
Carrington is known as one of the best academies in world football, and rightly so, but not all players with great promise succeed because their development is handled very poorly.
Despite the improvements in several areas of United’s staff, the loan moves are still neglected and young players often move on loan and go without regular football for the majority of the season.
Louis Jackson and Sam Mather both moved on loan to Tranmere Rovers in January, but they have seen a combined 19 minutes while away from United.
Even Ethan Wheatley, who played several times under Erik ten Hag, has struggled for playing time, registering just four appearances for Walsall in League Two.
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