Done deal – Man Utd beat the competition to sign the new Ayden Heaven | OneFootball

Manchester United reportedly have an agreement in hand with 16-year-old Harley Emsden-James who will join the club’s academy this summer.

The teenager is a youth product of Southampton who has been burning up the stages in his rapid rise. At the tender age of 14, he had already represented the club’s U18 side. The Englishman is considered one of the promising centre-backs in his age group all around the country.

As reported in previous weeks, Man United opened talks with Emsden-James and his entourage, and the negotiations have been described as positive.

Man United secure agreement for Harley Emdsen-James

According to the Academy Scoop X account, the Red Devils have now reached the finish line, striking an agreement with the player and his representatives.

The source reveals how United managed to prevail despite facing competition from other suitors, identifying their project as the most convincing.

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Will Emsden James be the new Ayden Heaven?

It should be noted that due to his young age, Emsden-James isn’t tied to Southampton through a professional contract, so he’s able to sign for a new club on a free transfer. Nevertheless, the Saints are entitled to £1 million as a so-called ‘academy compensation’.

This is the same procedure that Man Utd used to lure Ayden Heaven from Arsenal. The 18-year-old signed for the Red Devils in January and swiftly made an impact with the first team, before having his momentum interrupted by a knee injury that blighted the rest of his campaign.

As for Emsden-James, an immediate senior debut might be unlikely given he’s only 16, but the fans will be hoping to see him rise to prominence in the years to come.

Ruben Amorim has already proved his willingness to give space to some of the club’s most promising youngsters, handing first-team debuts to the likes of Harry Amass and Chido Obi-Martin.