Manchester United have completed an exciting signing at youth levelplaceholder image
Manchester United have completed an exciting signing at youth level | Getty Images
Man Utd have made an exciting addition at youth level as they continue to build for the future.
Manchester United have officially completed the signing of teenage defender Harley Emsden James in the summer transfer window.
It was revealed last month that United had won the race to sign the 16-year-old Southampton centre-back ahead of the likes of both Arsenal and Aston Villa. However, the deal still required Premier League ratification and total agreement over the compensation fee before it could be made official.
That has now happened, with United expected to pay a fee in the region of £1 million for his services, which also include a 20 percent sell-on clause for the Championship club. It is understood director of football Jason Wilcox played a key role in the negotiation of the deal with his former employers.
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Fabrizio Romano confirms transfer
Manchester United view Harley Emsden James as a player with huge potential for the future, and the deal even caught the eye of Fabrizio Romano. Taking to social media in midweek, the transfer guru confirmed the teenager's move to Manchester was now complete after a prolonged pursuit. "Talented 16 year old centre back Harley Emsden James has signed for Manchester United, here we go!
"PL approve transfer, United recruitment team have been tracking Emsden James closely over the past 12 to 14 months. Man Utd see Emsden James as a major talent for the future."
🚨⭐️ Talented 15 year old centre back Harley Emsden James has signed for Manchester United, here we go!
PL approve transfer, United recruitment team have been tracking Emsden James closely over the past 12 to 14 months.
Man Utd see Emsden James as a major talent for the future. pic.twitter.com/ruso2pvIGl
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 9, 2025
Emsden-James is set to play for United's U18 side next season and has already represented England at U15 level. It is understood a key reason why he has opted for a move to Manchester is due to the clear pathway between the youth set-up and the first-team squad.
United have made a conscious effort in recent years to secure high-potential youth talent as early as possible, in an effort to save themselves millions in the long run. It is believed that by paying a high compensation fee for a talented teenager early on, they can often avoid much larger transfer fees further down the line. Even if they do not go on to make it into the first-team squad, United should still be able to make a profit on youngsters who have been around the first-team frame at Old Trafford.
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