Man United staved off competition from Man City to land Harley Emsden-James | OneFootball

Manchester United are currently struggling to secure Bryan Mbeumo’s signature for the first team, but their academy recruitment remains on point as seen from their recent capture of Harley Emsden-James.

United have signed the highly-rated defensive prospect from Southampton, after paying a £1 million compensation fee to the Saints.

The defender is only 16, but made his U18s debut for Southampton last season, making two appearances in total.

He is regarded as one of the brightest English talents in his age group, and the Red Devils have been following his progress for over a year before finally swooping.

United had their eyes on Harley Emsden-James for over a year

As per Football Insider, the recruitment team felt he has the potential to emulate the likes of Ayden Heaven and Leny Yoro, high praise indeed.

Which is exactly why United pushed so hard to seal the deal ahead of fierce cross-town rivals Manchester City as well as the likes of Chelsea, Newcastle United, Tottenham, and Aston Villa.

“Man United have completed the signing of 16-year-old defender Harley Emsden James from Southampton, sources have told Football Insider.

“United’s recruitment team, Luke Fedorenko, Connor Hunter, and Jamahl Jarrett, have been tracking Emsden James closely over the past 12 to 14 months.

City lose out in the race

“Their persistence has paid off, with the Old Trafford club confident he has the potential to follow in the footsteps of rising stars like Ayden Heaven and Leny Yoro.

“The teenager was also on the radar of Premier League rivals Manchester City, Chelsea, Newcastle United, Tottenham, and Aston Villa, who all tracked him closely over the last 13 months.”

Apart from the ex-Southampton academy wonderkid, United have also signed Diego Leon this summer.

And last season, Heaven and Chido Obi were among the high-profile academy arrivals. This indicates how seriously INEOS are taking academy recruitment.

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