Manchester United launched an unsuccessful attempt to sign French starlet Paul Eymard as INEOS continue to search for the best young talent from around the world, according to a new report. Best in Class Since the new ownership took control at Old Trafford, Manchester United have demonstrated a renewed focus on strengthening the academy, targeting players both within and outside England. Back-to-back signings from Arsenal secured the services of Chido Obi and Ayden Heaven – two of the Gunners’ most highly rated prospects – while the club hope to have unearthed hidden gems through deals for Mali starlet Sekou Kone and Paraguayan wonderkid Diego Leon. Last summer, Manchester United signed Enzo Kana-Biyik on a free transfer from Ligue 1 side Le Havre AC, with French football providing a treasure trove of outstanding young talent in recent years. During the winter period, the Red Devils sought to make another move in France with an approach for Eymard, an 18-year-old midfield maestro developed in AS Saint-Étienne’s esteemed academy. However, the France U-17 international rejected advances from the Manchester club in favour of signing a two-year contract with his boyhood club, according to But! Football Club. Alongside Manchester United, Inter Milan are also understood to have made an offer for Eymard, which included a “much higher salary” than the one he is receiving at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard. The midfielder is adamant this was the right decision for his continued development, as a move to a club the size of Manchester United would be a step too soon. Patience is a virtue “I tell myself that I’m still far from reaching my goal and that I have many steps to take,” Eymard reveals, going on to reference how many players in his position have taken the jump too early. “There have been many players like me, who were presented as very promising but who didn’t succeed, and certainly some who were better than me. Just because people are starting to talk about me a lot, because big clubs are showing interest, doesn’t mean I’m necessarily going to succeed. “I need to complete certain stages in the professional ranks and then we’ll see. My family, my agent, and even the club are supporting me so that I don’t burn out.” The Frenchman further explains his decision: “I decided to sign my first professional contract with ASSE because it’s my boyhood club, so it’s a natural progression in my development. You have to start there, with the club I love, the one I support. It’s too soon to go back to the big European clubs. I mustn’t rush things.” “ASSE presented me with a project where I’m working with the professionals every day, and that’s a huge plus. Overall, the club is also ambitious and constantly evolving. And then there are always the fans and all their passion. “I’m lucky to already know this whole environment, and that’s what convinced me. Sporting director Loïc Perrin is supporting me in my development, and I’m relying on all the coaches I had during my time at the academy, especially Laurent Huard.” It is an approach that is as wise as it is humble – one which will have further piqued the interest of Manchester United executives, rather than deterred them. This is unlikely to be the last time Eymard is linked with a move to Old Trafford, despite his intention to remain in France in the short term. The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Darragh Fox Darragh is an editor for The Peoples Person who spent three years learning about the Cold War at the University of Sheffield slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about. Amad’s first touch should be officially recognised as the eighth wonder of the world.
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