Manchester United are preparing to finalise three exciting youth transfers next week, an important part of the club’s long-term plan to strengthen their academy setup under the new leadership of INEOS and sporting director Dan Ashworth.
Even though much of the attention this summer has focused on senior signings — including the £62.5 million move for Matheus Cunha and ongoing talks to bring in Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo — United’s youth recruitment drive is quietly picking up pace as well.
With manager Rúben Amorim also looking to bolster his attack with a centre-forward, United have been busy off the pitch too, identifying talented teenagers who can grow into future first-team stars.
According to Manchester World, three promising players are set to be officially unveiled at Carrington next week after reaching agreements with their current clubs: Diego Leon from Cerro Porteño, Enzo Kana-Biyik from Le Havre, and Harley Emsden-James from Southampton.
Diego Leon — Right-Back, 18 (From Cerro Porteño)
United struck a deal for the Paraguayan full-back back in January but had to wait until he turned 18 in April before the transfer could move forward.
Leon visited Manchester earlier this year for his medical tests and is expected to sign a five-year contract.
United will pay Cerro Porteño an initial sum of around £3.2 million, with add-ons that could increase the total to as much as £7 million if certain milestones are hit.
Scouts see Leon as a dynamic, energetic defender with plenty of attacking intent, often drawing comparisons to a young Juan Cuadrado due to his pace and ability to overlap effectively.
Enzo Kana-Biyik — Forward, 16 (From Le Havre)
The French teenager will join United on a free transfer after his contract with Le Havre expires at the end of this month. Kana-Biyik is a highly rated attacker who has attracted interest across Europe but chose United because of their proven record in developing youth prospects.
Known for his speed, direct running, and creative flair, Kana-Biyik will add a spark to United’s U18s squad next season as he looks to progress under the guidance of the club’s academy coaches, who have helped launch the careers of homegrown talents like Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho.
Harley Emsden-James — Centre-Back, 16 (From Southampton)
Emsden-James is a composed central defender who will also officially make the switch to United once his Southampton deal expires at the end of the month.
United will pay a compensation package of around £1 million for the highly rated teenager, which includes a 20% sell-on clause. Emsden-James has already represented England at U15 level and is seen as a ball-playing defender who excels under pressure, making him a perfect fit for United’s philosophy of playing out from the back.
The opportunity to progress through the ranks at United, which has a clear pathway into the senior setup under Erik ten Hag, was a decisive factor in his decision to join.
Why These Deals Are Significant
This trio of youth signings reflects United’s broader plan to build a sustainable talent pipeline as part of their sporting strategy.
Dan Ashworth and technical director Jason Wilcox are looking to establish a culture where United don’t have to spend lavishly on established players because they can produce top-quality prospects themselves.
Recent breakthroughs like Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho show the club can successfully promote academy talent to the first team — a key reason these promising teenagers were attracted to Old Trafford.
United are committed to investing in their future and these acquisitions will only strengthen their youth ranks for years to come.
