Manchester United have a number of superb talents who must be secured to long-term contracts as they turn 17.
There are only eight weeks or so remaining in the 2024/25 season for most clubs, and therefore, Ineos will be very keen to sort out a number of contracts.
In the first team, Kobbie Mainoo looks set for a new deal, with both parties keen on finding a solution to the negotiations which have been dragging on for a year already.
Manchester United, however, will also be keen to sort out some professional contracts for some of the very best academy starlets who will be 17 by the time summer arrives.
Amir Ibragimov is one who United will surely be looking to tie down to a professional contract, with the superb youngster turning 17 in April.
United know all too well the perilous situation of not securing youngsters, having poached numerous talents from elsewhere in the past year. This was the case with United signing Chido Obi from Arsenal, and so, Ineos will surely be proactive around this.
Photo by Eric Verhoeven/Soccrates/Getty Images
Photo by Eric Verhoeven/Soccrates/Getty Images
Manchester United looking to hand Godwill Kukonki a new contract
Another talented United wonderkid to turn 17 recently is central defender Godwill Kukonki, who promises to be an elite central defender.
Kukonki is one of the United academy’s best, with his physical traits standing out for the teenager at every youth level.
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Now, Manchester Evening News has reported that decision makers at Carrington are very keen to secure Kukonki’s long-term future at the club.
The club, therefore, are looking to hand him his first professional contract – something that could happen soon considering his rapid rise over the course of this season.
Kukonki was the initial example of academy integration by Amorim as the defender was involved in senior training and also in match day squads.
However, he has since taken a step back, likely allowing him to develop further, but when could Kukonki make his debut?
Mapping out Godwill Kukonki’s debut chances for Manchester United
The new contract for Kukonki appears to be just a formality right now. Amorim has already proven himself a fan of Kukonki with his words and actions, but will he be planning a debut?
Kukonki was labelled as being ‘impressive’ upon his step into first-team training by MUTV’s Zarah Connolly, and these words do him justice.
“He was in our live training show just before the Bodo/Glimt game as well. He seems to just seamlessly fit in with this squad. It’s impressive.”
Such an easy integration to the first team bodes well for Kukonki getting a chance if debuts are being given out, but with Ayden Heaven’s arrival, his chances will have been diminished slightly.
Kukonki will likely see out this season in the academy before the summer could realistically see him used by Amorim in preseason.
An actual competitive debut is probably at least a season away for Kukonki right now, but this doesn’t take away from his potential and ability.