Manchester United are on the verge of completing a significant transfer, bringing in promising French striker Enzo Kana-Biyik on a free transfer from Le Havre. The move has created considerable buzz, not just because of the player’s potential, but also due to what it signifies for United’s ongoing recruitment strategy under the INEOS-led transformation.
Reports first emerged in April, via the Manchester Evening News, that the 18-year-old was in Manchester to finalize discussions with the Red Devils. Now, sources confirm that the club is only waiting on a few final formalities to make the signing official.
Kana-Biyik, considered one of the brightest young forwards in France, has long been on the radar of European scouts. His powerful frame, clinical finishing, and intelligent movement off the ball have made him a standout performer at youth level for Le Havre. Though he didn’t debut for the first team last season, he was consistently training with the senior squad, an indicator of the coaching staff’s faith in his development.
He had a prolific run in the 2023/24 campaign, scoring nine goals in just 16 appearances for Le Havre’s Under-19 side. That tally, combined with his evident maturity and physical readiness, made him an attractive prospect for Manchester United, who are now doubling down on youthful recruitment to bolster their future.
Interestingly, this signing follows in the footsteps of Paul Pogba, who also joined United as a teenager from Le Havre. Though their styles differ—Pogba being a central midfield maestro and Kana-Biyik a forward—the pipeline between Le Havre and Old Trafford remains very much active.
United’s recruitment of Kana-Biyik also comes amid an aggressive youth-focused approach that saw them sign Sekou Kone from Mali last summer. As part of this broader initiative, United’s academy staff are said to have undertaken French lessons to aid communication and ensure smoother integration for young francophone players joining the club.
Another layer of complexity surrounds potential loan arrangements. Some speculation had linked Kana-Biyik with a temporary move to FC Lausanne-Sport, a club also under the INEOS umbrella. However, those close to the deal have suggested that no loan plans have been finalized, meaning the striker could remain in Manchester to begin his development at Carrington under the close supervision of United’s youth coaches.
The announcement of Kana-Biyik’s arrival is expected to be publicly confirmed by the club within days, and United fans are already eager to see how the teenager adapts to life at one of the most demanding footballing institutions in the world.
It’s worth noting that this move contrasts with the recent low-profile arrival of Harley Emsden-James, the 16-year-old signed from Southampton. While Emsden-James is seen as a long-term project, Kana-Biyik is viewed as someone who could push for senior minutes more quickly if his development goes as planned.
Sources within Carrington believe Kana-Biyik’s ceiling is “very high,” and early training sessions will help determine if he gets a taste of first-team action or continues his rise through the Under-21 setup first. United’s current lack of depth in the striker role may offer the Frenchman an unexpected opportunity if he impresses early on.
Beyond his on-field talent, insiders describe Kana-Biyik as grounded, disciplined, and eager to adapt. His decision to choose Manchester United over other clubs—reportedly including interest from Ligue 1 and Bundesliga outfits—speaks volumes about the vision United are offering young players under Erik ten Hag and the INEOS-led regime.
This signing also reflects United’s strategy of balancing marquee signings with smart free transfers. As financial fair play pressures increase, and as the club undergoes structural reforms at the board and football operations level, expect more of these astute youth moves going forward.
For fans, this represents more than just another name in the academy. Kana-Biyik could become part of a new generation of players who carry Manchester United into a new era—one built on youth, passion, and a clear identity.
Stay tuned for the official unveiling in the coming days. With a five-year roadmap being quietly laid out by the INEOS leadership, Kana-Biyik’s arrival may just be the beginning of a much larger vision taking shape at Old Trafford
