Manchester United have struck gold once again as they reach a reported agreement to sign Harley Emsden-James from Southampton, but who is the young centre-back?
Manchester United’s 2025 summer transfer window has started fast, with Rúben Amorim’s side announcing that a £62.5 million transfer agreement had been reached with Wolverhampton Wanderers for the signing of Matheus Cunha on the first day of the month.
The Brazilian international is expected to sign a five-year contract with the club once he returns from international duty, with his transfer being formalised once his visa and registration are complete.
Soon after, it was revealed in the media that Brentford star winger Bryan Mbeumo had chosen to sign for the Red Devils, with the two clubs continuing talks after United’s bid worth up to £55 million for the Cameroon international was rejected.
United are also looking to strengthen in midfield and want to add a striker to the two wingers mentioned above, but the club are also continuing to focus on attracting young talent this summer.
United reach an agreement for Emsden-James
In the last 12 months, United have secured some impressive young transfers, with the most notable being the signings of Chido Obi and Ayden Heaven, both from Arsenal.
While 17-year-old Obi is well-known to be one of the best young strikers across Europe and will develop into a fantastic player in the future, it is 18-year-old Heaven who has taken Old Trafford by storm.
Heaven quickly established himself as a first-team centre-back within Amorim’s team with fantastic performances against Arsenal, Real Sociedad, and Aston Villa, not long after signing from Arsenal for around £1.5 million.
With United looking to continue adding to their Academy ranks, Academy specialist AcademyScoop has revealed that the club has now struck an agreement to sign 16-year-old centre-back Harley Emsden-James from Southampton.
The signing of Emsden-James is still subject to the Premier League’s investigation process. Still, it looks as if United have beaten out several other Premier League sides to secure the teenager this summer.
Furthermore, the BBC have reported that United will pay around £1 million, plus bonuses, for the player, with Southampton retaining the right to earn 20% of any future sale.
Who is Emsden-James?
As per AcademyScoop’s substack, Emsden-James is seen as one of England’s “most talented young players,” hence the interest in the 16-year-old from across the Premier League.
Despite his young age, the centre-back made two appearances for Southampton’s U18s Premier League squad last season, coming off the bench against Crystal Palace U18s at the beginning of the season and against Arsenal U18s on the final day of the season.
AcademyScoop details that Emsden-James is a player who has impressed scouts with his ball-playing abilities and athleticism, with United’s recent track record of handing first-team chances to young stars playing a key role in negotiations.
While Emsden-James may not be appearing in the first-team squad next season, there is little doubt that he could feature in first-team training sessions alongside playing for the club’s Academy across the next few seasons before making his debut under Amorim.
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