Manchester United are interested in a young, “exciting” defender and could make a move in the January transfer window.
Since Sir Jim Ratcliffe purchased a minority stake in Manchester United, the focus when it comes to transfers has shifted quite significantly.
Before the INEOS owner took partial charge, United spent big money on players at the top of their game – Antony, Paul Pogba, Romelu Lukaku, and countless more high-profile names – but attention now seems to have shifted to younger players with potential.
However, this summer United have brought in several young talents that will improve Rúben Amorim’s squad, but have the potential to get even better as the years go on. This has been coupled with Premier League-proven additions, meaning that the more experienced players can support the many young signings.
Patrick Dorgu and Diego Leon are the perfect examples of ‘INEOS signings’ made by Jason Wilcox, as they were both inexpensive with high potential, and they have already been named in Amorim’s senior squad.
Wilcox looks set to continue the ‘INEOS signings’ for years to come, and could sign another in January to fight off competition who could only consider a move in the summer.
United track Ajax’s Bouwman
While United already have a wealth of promising young centre-backs – Ayden Heaven, Tyler Fredricson, Leny Yoro and Godwill Kukonki, to name but a few – Wilcox is eyeing a move for another young defender.
TeamTalk have reported that United and Liverpool are tracking Ajax’s Aaron Bouwman, but Chelsea, Manchester City and Barcelona have also scouted the 18-year-old.
Bouwman started the opening Eredivisie match, while he was just 17, stepping in for the injured Josip Sutalo. The report describes the young defender as “one of football’s most exciting defensive prospects” despite playing as a striker during his academy days.
United will have to act fast if they want to secure Bouwman for a low fee, as Ajax are said to be interested in negotiating a new contract, with his current deal expiring in the summer of 2027.
The Dutchman has only played one competitive game for the senior side, but Ajax love to develop young talent and trust them from an early age, just ask Matthijs de Ligt.
United’s new profit strategy
While signing promising young players is a good idea to improve your senior squad, in truth, it focuses more on maximising profit for the coming years, as you will have the talented players that other clubs want to buy.
Even if some signings don’t reach their full potential, United should still profit because it only takes one talent to succeed before clubs are offering silly money, like the Red Devils considered with Carlos Baleba.
Wilcox will look to continue this strategy going forward, as it will benefit United in the long run, rather than the short-term. The Red Devils are finally focusing on the years ahead, rather than just the present.
This future planning should serve United in good stead, as young players could step into the voids left by senior players moving on, or Wilcox will have the transfer funds to spend on a new player through the sales of the young talent.
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