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Manchester United close to completing deal for “sharp” striker from same academy as Paul Pogba

Manchester United close to completing deal for "sharp" striker from same academy as Paul Pogba - Manchester United
Paul Pogba. (Getty)

Paul Pogba’s time at Manchester United remains one of the most divisive chapters in the club’s modern history.

Initially signed from French side Le Havre as a youth prospect, Pogba was allowed to leave after failing to break into the first team. He went on to flourish at Juventus, becoming one of the world’s top midfielders and winning four consecutive Serie A titles. Recognising their mistake, United spent a then-world-record £89.3 million to bring him back to Old Trafford in 2016, hoping he would replicate his form from Turin.

Despite flashes of brilliance and helping United lift several trophies, Pogba ultimately failed to live up to expectations at the club, hampered by injuries, inconsistent form, and questionable management. His continued standout performances for France only highlighted how underutilised he was in Manchester.

Now, according to French football journalist Benjamin Quarez, United appear close to securing another promising talent from Le Havre: 18-year-old striker Enzo Kana-Biyik.

Kana-Biyik Set for Manchester United Move

On Wednesday, Quarez reported that Kana-Biyik had flown to Manchester to finalise a contract with the Red Devils, a move that reflects the club’s renewed emphasis on long-term planning and youth development. While the exact terms of the deal remain undisclosed, an official announcement is expected soon.

Per the Manchester Evening News, Kana-Biyik is expected to initially join FC Lausanne-Sport on loan — the INEOS-owned Swiss side — to gain first-team experience.

While he has yet to debut for Le Havre’s senior side, Kana-Biyik has impressed at U19 level, scoring 9 goals in 15 appearances, and has regularly trained with the first team.

Describing the young striker on X, football scout Vuyo Regalo wrote: “Enzo is a tall, mobile forward with sharp movement, competent hold-up play & deceptive flair for his frame. Currently in Le Havre’s renowned academy, Kana-Biyik is still a raw forward, but his blend of physical presence & attacking IQ make him an intriguing prospect.”

Though relatively unknown, Kana-Biyik’s signing will pique the interest of United fans, especially considering Le Havre’s strong record of developing elite talent such as Dimitri Payet, Riyad Mahrez, Steve Mandanda — and of course, Pogba.

Supporters will be hoping that this time, United nurture Kana-Biyik’s potential properly and avoid repeating the missteps they made with Pogba.

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