A move to Manchester United the day before deadline day was rejected by a highly-rated youngster
Callan McKenna of Bournemouth during a training session at Canford Performance Centre on May 06, 2025
Callan McKenna opted against a move to Old Trafford(Image: AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)
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Callan McKenna turned down Manchester United to sign for Bournemouth - despite meeting with the Premier League giants just a day before the 2024 deadline day. The 19-year-old goalkeeper was a highly-rated prospect at Scottish club Queen's Park and was reportedly attracting interest from Arsenal and United.
However, it was the Cherries who won him over, following a Zoom call with members of the club's football team. McKenna left his decision to depart Scotland until the last minute but made certain to visit Manchester United a day before declining their offer on deadline day.
After completing his move to the Vitality Stadium, he explained his reasons for rejecting United. He told Bournemouth's official matchday programme in 2024: "A 15-minute Zoom call with (assistant technical director) Simon Francis and (head of goalkeeping) Neil Moss.
"I travelled to Manchester and met the people from Manchester United the day before deadline day. That night, I had the Zoom call and was invested in coming here. The following morning, the guys from United came to take me to the training ground and I told them it wasn't what I wanted.
"They tried their best to persuade me, but I wanted to come here." McKenna acknowledged that Bournemouth's track record of giving goalkeepers first-team opportunities was a major factor in his decision to join the club.
He revealed: "I thought I would be closer to the first team and you only need to look at some of the goalkeepers Bournemouth have brought through, like Mark Travers and Aaron Ramsdale.
"You want to follow in their footsteps. Coming here sounded perfect and it has been so far. It's not just about the badge or saying you play for this or that team, that's for later in my career. Hopefully in 20 years' time, you can say you've done X, Y or Z.
Callan McKenna of Bournemouth during a training session at Vitality Stadium
The 19-year-old rejected Manchester United for Bournemouth(Image: AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)
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"But for the here and now, Bournemouth is perfect for me. It was difficult to adjust at the start, but I love it now. This is my life now and I feel I'm progressing well so, hopefully, I can continue to do that. Hopefully coming here will put me on the way to eventually playing in the Premier League."
Since arriving, he's predominantly turned out for the club's youth side but has been named amongst the substitutes for numerous Premier League fixtures. Whilst he's still waiting to make his senior bow for the Cherries, he penned fresh terms with the club last October.
Callan McKenna in action for Scotland's Under-17 side against Wales last year.
The goalkeeper inked a new deal with the Cherries last October
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After putting pen to paper on his new contract, McKenna declared: "I'm delighted to sign a new deal with the club, who have been brilliant for me since I arrived. I feel like I'm improving every day working with the coaches and goalkeepers here.
"Being able to learn off experienced shot-stoppers like Djordje Petrovic has really helped my game and I'm looking forward to seeing what I can achieve in the coming years here as I further my development."
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