INEOS may be struggling to sign players for the Manchester United first team, but their work with the academy has been going on in full swing.
It has already been relayed by The Peoples Person that the club have signed Diego Leon from Cerro Porteno, Harley Emsden-James from Southampton, and Enzo Kana Biyik on a free from Le Havre.
There are plans to sign more, but the co-owners’ work with the academy has not only been limited to signings but they are also focused on contract renewals.
As per The Manchester Evening News, Godwill Kukonki is set to be tied down on his first professional contract. There were earlier reports that the left-footed defender would be offered professional terms, and it seems he has agreed to sign the deal.
First professional deal
“Manchester United youngster Godwill Kukonki is set to sign his first professional contract.
“Kukonki already stands at a towering 6ft 5ins and his physicality should help him as he pushes toward a debut, which is his ultimate aim after making progress through the youth ranks.”
The 17-year-old was among the few academy youngsters to have impressed Ruben Amorim, who made his admiration known last season, claiming the defender was ready to perform in the Premier League.
“Yeah, of course (I’m impressed). He’s 16 years old but he impressed me a lot, so it’s also a sign to the youth players that they can be here.
“If something happened with the first-team squad, they have to step up, and I think he’s ready – he’s very adult – to handle the demands of the Premier League.”
Amorim favourite
In fact, Godwill Kukonki was regularly part of the matchday squad last season, making the bench for the Europa League quarter-finals against Olympique Lyon.
He was also named on the bench four times in the Premier League, including in Amorim’s first game in charge against Ipswich Town at Portman Road.
The England U17 international can play both as a left-back and centre-back, with his versatility seen as a huge asset by the head coach.
He had made his unofficial first team debut during the post-season Asia Tour and now, he will be hoping to be a part of the pre-season tour and subsequently make his official debut in the upcoming campaign.
Feature image Lewis Storey via Getty Images
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Ayantan Chowdhury
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
