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Under INEOS, Manchester United have attempted to adopt a new recruitment strategy – one that continues with the acquisition of Harley Emsden-James.
Traditionally, United’s recruitment teams have turned down players before they were fully developed, instead opting for more established talents in the transfer market.
From rejecting Erling Haaland while he was still at Molde to passing on Moises Caicedo for under €5 million before his move to Brighton, United have missed out on many future stars.
However, things are starting to change.
The club’s recruitment team, now led by Jason Wilcox and Christopher Vivell, who are both renowned for their talent-spotting credentials, with Wilcox also experienced in running academies – are determined to identify these players early while they are still affordable, potentially saving millions in the long run.
This shift has already brought in two notable signings from Arsenal: Chido Obi and Ayden Heaven, both acquired for around £1 million and already making multiple first-team appearances.
Additionally, the club picked up Sekou Kone from Guidars FC – a highly rated midfield talent expected to feature heavily for the first team in the future.
Continuing in this vein, United are in advanced talks to complete the signing of 16-year-old centre-back Harley Emsden-James from Southampton.
The fee is expected to be £1 million, and he will initially join the youth setup.
But who is the highly rated centre-back, and where does he fit in at Manchester United?
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