Manchester United’s summer transfer window continues to be an unpredictable one despite some notable signings.
The arrivals of Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford and Matheus Cunha from Wolves have added some much needed firepower to Ruben Amorim’s squad.
But those positives have come amid some brutal setbacks.
Top striking target Liam Delap opted to join Chelsea, despite his camp holding talks with the Red Devils.
Meanwhile more recently, Viktor Gyokeres opted to join Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal – after months of serious links pushing the Swede to reunite with Amorim.
And now, in a further blow to United’s summer strategy, another highly-rated target has opted against a switch to Old Trafford.
Seth Ridgeon, a player United had earmarked as one for the future, has now committed his long-term future to Fulham, as officially confirmed via their website.
The 16-year-old box-to-box midfielder had attracted strong interest from United’s scouting department, who had been tracking him for some time.
CentreDevils previously revealed earlier in July that United were frontrunners for his signature.
It is believed that the hierarchy were viewing him as part of their new INEOS-led youth rebuild alongside talents like Diego Leon, Sekou Kone, Harley Emsden-James, Enzo Kana-Biyik and Chido Obi.
But Fulham have won the race, with the England U17 captain signing a new deal at the club he’s been at since the age of eight.
Speaking to FFCtv, via their official confirmation site, Ridgeon said: “It’s a very proud moment for me.
“I’ve been at the Club since I was eight and gone all the way through, and now it’s a dream come true to sign with my boyhood club to keep the journey going.
“Signing here for a lengthy period shows that Fulham produce young players and allow them to have the opportunity here.
“I think it’s the best place to be for my development.”
Having already made the step up to Under-21 football at just 16 and captained his country at the Euros this summer, Ridgeon is seen as one of the most promising midfielders in his age group.
This may well go on to be a huge loss for the Red Devils – with INEOS looking to build a dynasty of young talents.
