If Manchester United have no success on the transfer market, the English club can also strengthen via their training centre. The Red Devils had found a 15-year-old gem but it is Newcastle who have had the last word in this matter.
In addition to extravagant transactions at every transfer window, European clubs scrutinise different football academies, searching for the new sensation. The objective of the heavyweights is to spot young gems and integrate them into their training centre. This is for example what Manchester United did with Kobbie Mainoo.
And precisely, the Red Devils were negotiating to recruit Josh Kenchington. At 15 years old, he is considered a future very great centre-back. A Barnsley player, his journey recalls that of John Stones. The English media moreover dare the comparison with the two children of the Sheffield suburb club. But according to information from Keith Downie, it is Newcastle who are on the verge of securing the young gem's services.
🚨 💴 Newcastle have agreed to pay £350,000 plus significant bonuses for wonder-kid Josh Kenchington.
✅ #NUFC second bid to Barnsley was accepted, after a £275,000 first offer was turned down.
⚫️ Compared to John Stones, Kenchington was playing under 18 football aged just 14.… pic.twitter.com/uQqro1mDMH— Keith Downie (@SkySports_Keith) October 17, 2025
Manchester United miss out on new John Stones
The Sky Sport journalist states that Tottenham and Brighton were also interested. The Magpies will spend over £342,000 to recruit Josh Kenchington. Despite his young age, he is playing above his age group in the youth categories and even plays with Barnsley's U-18s. For Manchester United, the failure of this matter represents a genuine disappointment.
This illustrates the fact that Manchester United are no longer a destination as popular as before, despite the legendary status of their academy. The unstable internal situation and disappointing sporting results for a decade do not offer the best future perspective for young players. Josh Kenchington will therefore join Newcastle's academy, with the hope of one day shining in the Premier League.
This article was originally published on Top Mercato.
