Manchester United are finally on the verge of their first summer signing — a 19-year-old goalkeeper who has never played a senior game for his club.
Kit Margetson, out of contract at Swansea City after talks over a new deal broke down, is expected to join United on a free transfer and go straight into the Under-21s set-up. The teenager, who spent last season on loan at Connah’s Quay Nomads, has been with Swansea since Under-15s level but made no first-team appearances.
“Manchester United are set to sign 19-year-old Swansea goalkeeper Kit Margetson on a free transfer.”
The impending arrival comes as United endure a frustrating window in which they have missed out on two midfield targets. On 25 June, Manchester City agreed a club-record £116m deal for Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson — United’s first-choice midfield target — after the club made clear they would not spend £120m on the England international. Then Tottenham agreed to pay West Ham £85m for Mateus Fernandes. United pushed hard but felt Spurs would have gone to £90m, so they pulled out.
“It is precisely the kind of situation they are keen to avoid,” the BBC reported, adding that United view their position as responsible.
Out-of-contract players Casemiro and Jadon Sancho have already left, while Rasmus Hojlund’s £38m exit to Napoli was confirmed in May. Marcus Rashford and Andre Onana remain at Old Trafford.
United have also agreed a £35m deal with Atalanta for midfielder Ederson, but his late call-up to Brazil’s World Cup squad means his medical is delayed until Carlo Ancelotti’s side are out of the competition, after which he will take a three-week break.
The club want at least one, possibly two, more midfield options. Bournemouth’s Alex Scott has been linked, but Arsenal have been told the 22-year-old is not for sale. Other names mentioned include Tyler Adams, Carlos Baleba and former Manchester City academy player Felix Nmecha. The position of Real Madrid’s Aurelien Tchouameni continues to be monitored, but at this stage he is expected to stay at the Santiago Bernabeu.
In goal, United are reshaping the department. Andre Onana is set to go on loan to Trabzonspor for a second consecutive season, while second-choice Altay Bayindir is expected to leave in search of regular game time after falling behind Senne Lammens. Third-choice Tom Heaton, who has made just three first-team appearances since joining in 2020, has signed a new contract. “It is a huge honour to continue to represent Manchester United,” Heaton said. “You can feel the determination and ambition of everyone throughout the club to keep pushing for success.”
Should Margetson’s move be completed, he would be the first signing under manager Michael Carrick — though United are also closing in on Ederson. Whether they solve their midfield shortage before the window closes remains an open question.