Brexit limits, Ineos broadens the map
Brexit rules block English clubs from signing under-18s from Europe, forcing Manchester United to wait until a prospect turns 18—often too late once contracts are tied up. Since Ineos invested in 2024, United have widened their academy net outside Europe while staying alert to EU bargains, as shown by the free transfer of Enzo Kana-Biyik from Le Havre.
Profiles: Kone, Leon and Orozco
United paid around £1m for Mali midfielder Sekou Kone after tracking him at the U17 World Cup in Indonesia, where Mali finished third, and again at an U18 tournament in Morocco in April 2024—scouting that triggered the signing recommendation. In January, United agreed £3.3m rising to £7m for Paraguayan attacker Diego Leon, allowing him to stay put until moving to Manchester this summer. A preliminary deal is in place for Colombian U17 captain Cristian Orozco of Fortaleza CEIF, a defensive midfielder who helped his nation reach the South American U17 final; he will remain in Colombia until turning 18, with a July move lined up.
Model: low risk, high reward
United see these recruits as young, raw, and high-ceiling. Best case: a pathway to the first team. Worst case: resale value above cost. The approach mirrors league leaders in global scouting; Brighton’s £5.5m move for Moisés Caicedo—later sold for £115m—looms as a benchmark United hope to emulate.
People and process behind the push
Jason Wilcox has been a major influence, widely viewed as acting like a director of football even before receiving the title. Christopher Vivell became full-time director of recruitment in February and is a regular at academy games. Director of football negotiations Matt Hargreaves oversees deals and contracts, earning strong reviews from representatives for his grasp of players, the market, and bargaining.
Patience and payoff
United will continue to fish beyond Europe for undervalued teenagers while monitoring EU options at 18. The payoff requires time—often scarce at Old Trafford—but the club believes this pipeline can supply first-team talent or profitable assets.
