A social media post by Samuel Lusale, a juvenile player at Crystal Palace, appears to have confirmed his impending transfer to Premier League rivals Manchester United.
The 17-year-old winger is highly regarded by the Selhurst Park officials, as he made a significant impression through the ranks. However, the teenage prodigy declined the offer of a scholarship contract earlier this summer.
Having been with the Eagles since the age of 13, Lusale was a member of their FA Youth Cup squad last season.
The new-look hierarchy of United, which is led by co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and sporting director Dan Ashworth, is determined to recruit the most promising young talent from academies throughout the United Kingdom, as Brexit regulations have prohibited English teams from recruiting young talent from abroad.
In recent months, Lusale has joined United’s renowned academy, following in the footsteps of previous members such as James Overy, Silva Mexes, Camron Mpofu, and Chido Obi-Martin.
The attacker declared his intention to depart Palace earlier this week, informing his Instagram followers that “My tenure at Crystal Palace concludes and a new chapter commences.”
“The memories I have formed at Palace will remain with me forever, and without them, I would not be where I am today.” But now, we proceed to the subsequent chapter.
Lusale discloses Manchester United reveals
On Thursday, Lusale returned to Instagram to post a photo of himself on a television screen near the renowned Manchester United No.7 uniform, which bore his name and an hourglass emoji.
It is anticipated that the club will formally announce him in the coming days, marking yet another significant achievement for Ashworth since his arrival at Old Trafford.
Lusale was summoned by Slovakia’s Under-18 team during the most recent international break and delivered an impressive performance in a 3-2 defeat to Wales. He scored a goal and registered an assist on the eve of his 17th birthday.
Ashworth made it abundantly clear following his appointment as United’s sporting director in the summer that his primary objective would be to establish a “thriving” academy.
According to his statement on the official website of Manchester United, “Youth development has been a significant aspect of my career, and I believe it is an essential component of success for any football club, particularly one with a rich history of homegrown players.”
“The 2023/24 campaign’s success for our Under-18s is a positive indicator for the emergence of the next generation of male talent.”
In summary, Manchester United’s magnitude of opportunity is my initial impression as we review and refresh all aspects of the club.
“This club continues to be one of the largest in the world, but we do not gauge our success by its size; our primary objective is to regain our position as one of the top teams on the field.”
“However, we will not cease our efforts until we have accomplished it in conjunction with CEO Omar [Berrada] and his new leadership team. It will not occur overnight.”
Ashworth also pursues Southampton’s sensation, Vlahovic, in an assault.
Ashworth is also on a mission to acquire a flourishing Southampton winger at the second asking, in other United news.
In a recent update from Give Me Sport, Ashworth has his sights set on Southampton winger Tyler Dibling, who evaded the director during his time at Newcastle.
He was never able to send the 18-year-old to St. James’ Park, which was a source of great disappointment for Ashworth. However, the report indicates that he strives to achieve greater success at Manchester United, and an approach is anticipated.
Meanwhile, the Red Devils are reportedly considering evaluating Dusan Vlahovic’s interest in a January transfer to Old Trafford. Assistant coach Ruud van Nistelrooy is a “huge admirer” of the player and is “eager” to acquire him.
Two central attackers have been acquired by United in the past two summers to enhance Ten Hag’s attack: Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee.
However, Van Nistelrooy, the recently appointed assistant coach, appears to be of the opinion that there is insufficient potential in the squad. According to FootballTransfers, the legendary former United attacker is “eager” for his club to sign Juventus forward Vlahovic.
IN-DEPTH: Seven Manchester United adolescents who have the potential to save Ratcliffe millions
United is known for having one of the most exceptional academies in the world, and they presently have a highly promising group of young athletes.
