Manchester United have lost out on the chance to sign one young transfer target as Newcastle United win the race for the promising defender.
Since Sir Jim Ratcliffe purchased a minority stake in Manchester United, the transfer strategy has undergone a massive change. Before he joined, United focused on signing high-profile players for a large fee, but this is no longer the case.
Now, with Jason Wilcox as the Director of Football, United look to sign promising young players for a low fee while paying a higher premium for those who will start in Rúben Amorim’s first team.
In the summer transfer window, Harley Emsden-James, Enzo Kana-Biyik and Diego Leon joined the club to continue INEOS’ transfer strategy. All three are yet to make their professional debuts, but INEOS have good reason to continue with their new transfer policy.
Ayden Heaven and Chido Obi have already proved why the new strategy can work, although both have been out of the side this season.
This season, United have already agreed a deal to sign Cristiano Orozco from Fortaleza CEIF, but he can’t join until next summer due to his age. INEOS will continue with the transfer strategy going forward.
United miss out on Kenchington to Newcastle
Josh Kenchington is a 15-year-old central defender who has already been labelled the next John Stones, likely due to his high potential coming through the same academy (Barnsley).
At just 14 years old, Kenchington made his debut for Barnsley’s under-18s side and has now been capped by England’s under-15s team.
United were among the Premier League sides interested in the young defender, along with Brighton and Hove Albion and Tottenham Hotspur.
Newcastle United, however, led the race and now have sealed a deal to sign Kenchington for £350,000, as per Sky Sports. Eddie Howe’s side saw their first bid rejected, but pushed on to sign the Barnsley academy player.
INEOS will be disappointed to miss out on a young English prospect, but the defensive prospects at Old Trafford may soften the blow for the United owners.
United mustn’t forget current talents in recruitment process
While INEOS’ new recruitment strategy will benefit the club in the long run, with the idea that United will save money on world-class talent, as they are already at Old Trafford.
However, United must not forget the prospects already at the club when signing new young players. United’s academy is among the best in the world and it is important that those who have been their for the longest see a pathway to the first team.
Jacob Devaney is one of the most consistent and passionate performers in the United academy. However, he has to compete for a first team spot with new signings like Sékou Koné, Tyler Fletcher and now Orozco.
United have several exciting young centre-backs – Reece Munro, Godwill Kukonki, Daniel Armer and Jayden Ngwashi – so signing another talented central defender could make those players drop in confidence.
It is crucial that INEOS remember to consider the talent already at the club before signing new players, or many young players will end up in a situation like Kobbie Mainoo without a regular spot in the side despite incredible talent.
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