Manchester United have agreed a deal for talented young star Socrates, who will join up with the academy.
The race to sign top young talent is more intense than ever in English football, and Manchester United’s scouting network is more sophisticated than ever.
Under Ineos, United are targeting young players from across the world, snapping up teenagers from Africa and South America.
At the same time, young English talents are just as valuable, with top prospect JJ Gabriel, 15, viewed as one of the best players to come through the academy in years.
Gabriel joined the club in 2022, and now Manchester United have snapped up another young prospect who could be a future teammate.
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Manchester United sign Socrates
The latest young player to join Manchester United is talented young prospect Socrates, who joins from the Elite London Academy.
The academy’s Instagram feed published a lengthy message, paying tribute to the young centre-back’s commitment, and excitement to sign for ‘one of the biggest clubs in the world’.
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Socrates had trials with Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace, before landing his big move to Manchester United.
He will go into Manchester United’s academy and begin the next step of his football journey.
The 13-year-old began his football career as a left-winger, before switching to left-sided centre-back, and it is here that he caught Manchester United’s attention.
While his journey ahead at United will be a long one, the rapid progress being shown by JJ Gabriel is a sign that anything is possible, with the teenager making his under-18s debut at just 14.
The full message from Elite London Academy
“From ELA ➝ Signing for one of the biggest club in the world.
“Socrates has been with us for five years — five years of development, hard work and belief. From the moment he joined Elite London Academy, you could see he had something special:
technically gifted, intelligent on the ball, brave in duels, and always hungry to learn.
“Along his journey, we organised trials for him at Arsenal, Tottenham and Crystal Palace. He completed full trials at these clubs but these did not result in registration. Arguably, missed opportunities for the clubs. But what makes Socrates different is how he responded.
“He didn’t sulk.
“He didn’t lose confidence.
“He showed resilience, maturity and a mindset far beyond his age.
“Instead, he pushed harder. Soon exciting opportunities have followed. Socrates was offered registration at a top Cat 1 club in the North in August after a successful trial. However, he declined the offer as the school opportunity did not feel it would stretch him fully.
“At ELA, we worked closely with him, developing every area of his game and eventually converting him from a winger into a left-sided centre-back — a position he has absolutely thrived in. His reading of the game, distribution, physical presence and calmness under pressure have grown to elite standards.
“Off the pitch, he’s exactly the type of boy every academy wants:
“Humble, well-mannered, intelligent, respectful and driven.
“And behind him is a family who supports him in all the right ways — patient, positive, and trusting the process.
“Today, all that work has led to the biggest stage possible: Manchester United. Given his academic focus, he has also secured a place at a highly academic and selective school in Manchester.
“This is a huge moment for him, his family and for us at ELA. Socrates is the perfect example of what happens when talent meets attitude, and when a club truly invests in a player’s development.
“We are incredibly proud of him — and this is only the beginning.
“Congratulations, Socrates. The journey continues at the very top.”
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