Manchester United have awarded first-year professional contracts to nine academy players, but Godwill Kukonki was notably absent from the list, fueling speculation over his future at the club.
Nine academy stars sign professional terms
The Red Devils have secured the futures of Jacob Watson, Neithan Barbosa, Albert Mills, Louie Bradbury, Charlie Hardy, Cameron Byrne-Hughes, Jayden Ngwashi, Nathaniel-Junior Brown and Rafe McCormack, who will continue their development at Carrington over the next 12 months.
Kukonki's omission raises questions
Kukonki, an 18-year-old defender, was a member of the treble-winning under-18 side in the 2023/24 season and trained with the senior squad. He was named in several matchday squads during the 2024/25 campaign and was an unused substitute in the Europa League quarter-finals against Lyon. He also made eight appearances for the under-21s in Premier League 2 last season.
However, his absence from the list of new deals, combined with his lack of involvement in United's pre-season trips, suggests he could leave Old Trafford imminently. He was initially expected to be offered a professional contract, and there remains a chance he could still be tied down, but the writing appears to be on the wall.
Other potential exits
Several other academy graduates could also depart, with Toby Collyer and Dan Gore reportedly available for transfer. Gore is said to be "almost certain" to leave on a permanent basis, while Collyer had unsuccessful loan spells at West Bromwich Albion and Hull City last season, disrupted by injuries.
Ethan Wheatley and Harry Amass have also been linked with exits before the end of the summer window, with United reportedly asking for £6million for Amass, who spent last season on loan at Sheffield Wednesday and Norwich City.
