Manchester United announced the signing of teenage defender Ayden Heaven on Saturday morning, securing another promising talent from Arsenal’s academy.
The 18-year-old left-footer had attracted interest from both Barcelona and Eintracht Frankfurt.
After spending the last five years progressing through Arsenal’s youth system, Heaven was set to be out of contract this summer. ..Continue Reading
Manchester United successfully secured Heaven’s signature, agreeing on a deal valued at around £1.5 million.
This is not the first time United has acquired top prospects from Arsenal’s academy. In December, Chido Obi-Martin also signed his first professional contract with the Red Devils shortly after leaving Arsenal.
Heaven followed the same path but, unlike Obi-Martin, is expected to be integrated into the first-team squad. “I am incredibly proud to join Manchester United,” the teenager said after signing a contract until June 2029.
“I’m grateful to everyone who helped make this dream a reality. There is so much that I want to achieve in the game, I’ll be giving everything to continue my development and become the best player that I can be.”
Man United technical director Jason Wilcox, who sat alongside Heaven at his unveiling, added: “We are delighted that Ayden has joined Manchester United. He is already an extremely talented defender who is ready to join our first-team squad in order to maximise his development.
“This club has a phenomenal track record of supporting young players and we believe that Ayden is in the perfect place to reach his excellent potential.”
United take pride in having featured an academy player in every senior matchday squad since 1937.
This week, Ruben Amorim reiterated the club’s dedication to nurturing young talent but cautioned that some of these junior players might need to be sold for financial gain.
“The focus is that we have to improve the academy and we have to bring more [players through],” the head coach outlined. “That is something that all of the clubs in England have to take advantage [of], the players that come from the academy.
“To play, to feel the shirt and to sell. Our focus is to bring more, the rest I just want to prepare with both of them the next game.”
Heaven will wear the number 26 for Man United, last worn by goalkeeper Dean Henderson.
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