Manchester United have entered the transfer race for a young Polish central defender, it could be a similar deal to Sekou Kone or Diego Leon for Christopher Vivell
When Christopher Vivell joined Manchester United last summer, he was initially appointed as an interim director of recruitment, but he did secure the deal for Sekou Kone while in his temporary role.
The former RB Leipzig staff member clearly impressed as he has since been awarded a permanent role on United’s recruitment team, along with Jason Wilcox, who is now the director of football.
Both have shown that signing young players is a key part of their philosophy, meaning Rúben Amorim’s first-team squad will be built by signing players who will first join the academy sides, before making the step up in future years.
Three signings have been made this summer that keep to this strategy, with Harley Emsden-James joining from Southampton and Enzo Kana-Biyik signing from Le Havre before joining Laussane-Sport on loan.
The most notable young player to join United this summer is Diego Leon from Paraguay. The left wing-back could compete with Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu from the outset next season, after impressing in his first 45 minutes for the club against Leeds United.
United in race for Lublin’s Ede
With Ayden Heaven, Lisandro Martínez and Luke Shaw, United have very good cover at left centre-back in Amorim’s system, but another young left-footed central defender could be set to join the club this summer.
As per Polish outlet Onet, United have joined the race for Motor Lublin’s Bright Ede, a young left-footed central defender who has already made six first-team appearances, despite being just 18 years old.
Ede was subject to interest from Chelsea during the Club World Cup, but the West London club failed to agree a deal for the young defender, and they now face competition from Benfica as well as the Red Devils.
Despite being so young, Lublin are demanding a fee for close to £10 million for Ede, a fee that would exceed the club’s transfer budget for the season.
With United looking to be big spenders this summer, after the additions of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, signing Ede for £10 million could be realistic. Vivell and Wilcox may look to structure the deal so they only pay the full £10 million if the centre back reaches the first-team.
A bright idea in the INEOS era
While the time under Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s partial ownership has been poor on the pitch, United appear to be making strides off it, with signing young players like Ede a bright idea from the businessman.
Signing more young players, improving the training facilities and expanding the stadium are all positive signs for life under INEOS and hopefully Amorim if they choose to stick with the former Sporting CP manager.
Unlike managers before him, Amorim needs to be given the time that United promised him when he signed his initial contract. Sacking managers year after year is not a sustainable practice.
Philosophy appears to have become more important since the introduction of INEOS, but this has to be maintained throughout the recruitment process, as well as on the pitch.
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