Manchester United had a busy transfer deadline day with one interesting permanent departure flying under the radar.
It was the busiest deadline day Manchester United have had in years, with several players leaving and one arriving.
United signed Senne Lammens for £18.2m from Royal Antwerp in an expected solution to the goalkeeping dilemma.
However, it was outgoings which led the way on deadline day.
Rasmus Hojlund’s move to Napoli on loan was confirmed, so was Antony’s permanent switch to Real Betis, while Jadon Sancho managed to find a club, with Aston Villa signing him on a loan for the season.
Elsewhere, Ethan Ennis joined Fleetwood Town on loan, while there was another youngster who has departed, going under the radar.
Zach Baumann playing for Man United u18s v Stoke.
Photo by Zohaib Alam – MUFC/Manchester United via Getty Images
Manchester United sell Adam Wharton-esque Zach Baumann
While far from being the biggest name departure, academy midfield talent Zach Baumann joining Norwich permanently was among the most intriguing deals to cross the line.
At just 18, Baumann has previously trained with United’s first team and was often mentioned as one of the most exciting players for the club at each level.
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Baumann even featured in Ruben Amorim’s first training session, which led to a striking comparison being made by The Daily Mail.
While reviewing some of United’s top talents, the report mentioned that Baumann has been compared with Adam Wharton, the £100m-rated Crystal Palace star.
This is quite the comparison, and those who have watched Baumann in action will be aware that the Ukraine U19 international has Wharton’s passing, composure, dribbling, and work rate, all of which come together to make a really exciting player.
It is a move United might come to regret, with the fee for Baumann set at zero, according to BBC Sport, with bonuses and clauses depending on how good he becomes.
Permanent exit is excellent for Baumann’s career
While not ideal for United, Baumann’s career will really benefit from his move to East Anglia.
At Carrington, Baumann faced stern competition for U21 minutes with Sekou Kone, Amir Ibragimov, Tyler Fletcher, Jim Thwaites, Jayce Fitzgerald, and Finley McAllister all competing for the same two roles.
However, at Norwich, Baumann likely becomes a star, which will see him given more opportunities in senior football and also more football in general.
Baumann chose to move to Norwich, seeing a brighter future for himself personally away from United, which we can only respect, as he is betting on himself.
United will just be praying that he doesn’t reach the same heights as Wharton has; otherwise, it could be an embarrassment.