INEOS may have been struggling with first-team recruitment so far this summer, but when it comes to academy recruitment they have been well on top.
Diego Leon arrived in the summer, swiftly followed by Harley Emsden-James from Southampton and Enzo Kana Biyik from Le Havre.
The Paraguayan impressed against Leeds and is expected to see more minutes during the club’s USA pre-season tour, and is officially Patrick Dorgu’s backup at left wingback following the decision to loan out Harry Amass.
The ex-Saints wonderkid will start off playing for the various age group teams while the Frenchman has already secured a loan to INEOS-owned FC Lausanne Sport.
Academy recruitment in full swing
The Red Devils are eyeing even more players with a recent report relaying that England U17 captain, Seth Ridgeon is on the club’s radar.
Fulham were yet to tie him down on a new deal, with multiple clubs including United’s cross-town rivals Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea all vying for the 16-year-old’s signature.
The Cottagers remain locked in talks with their academy wonderkid, hoping to change his mind. The player is yet to take a concrete decision on his future.
But now, The Evening Standard have claimed that the London club are confident of keeping hold of their academy starlet despite the Red Devils’ impressive offer to the English starlet.
They feel they can offer him first team football this season, which United might not be able to match. The midfielder already has been given a tour of United’s facilities.
“Fulham are confident of keeping hold of highly-rated academy midfielder Seth Ridgeon. Standard Sport understand that Ridgeon, who has been linked with moves to Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea, is viewed as a crucial part of Fulham’s long-term future.
“The club are optimistic they can fend off interest in the 16-year-old. The club’s focus so far this summer has been on contract renewals, with Tom Cairney, Kenny Tete, and academy graduate Josh King signing new deals.
Seth Ridgeon deal might not materialise
“The latter’s new four-year deal, which comes after a breakthrough season with the first team, will no doubt be used to try and convince Ridgeon of the pathway the club have created for academy players.
“King featured 11 times for Fulham last season, including eight appearances in the Premier League. Still just 18 years old, King is considered a big part of Marco Silva’s plans.
“United are said to have made an impressive offer to Ridgeon, who are keen to snap up the best young talent in Britain. However, Fulham can point to the fact that they were able to offer King his first-team debut at just 17 years old and could feasibly do the same for Ridgeon were he to stay at the club.”
Should an agreement not be reached, expect INEOS to pounce. They will be monitoring Ridgeon’s contract proceedings with great interest.
Feature image Michael Regan 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
