Transfer Centre

Highly-rated youngster completes surprise switch after rejecting Manchester United deal

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 11 June 2024

Highly-rated youngster completes surprise switch after rejecting Man United deal

Monza confirm the arrival of Omari Forson on a free transfer, with the teenager rejecting the chance to sign a new contract at Manchester United.

Monza have confirmed the arrival of Omari Forson on a free transfer, with the teenager rejecting the chance to sign a new contract at Manchester United to make the move to Italy.

The Red Devils recently revealed that the 19-year-old had been offered a new contract at Old Trafford, with the club keen to retain the services of the versatile attacker.

Forson made seven first-team appearances for the 20-time English champions during the 2023-24 campaign, including four outings in the top flight of English football.

The Englishman provided an assist on his Premier League debut against Wolverhampton Wanderers, and he was later involved in the league against Fulham, Manchester City and Arsenal.

Forson was left out of the squad for the team's final league game of the campaign against Brighton & Hove Albion, though, and he was also not included in the FA Cup final.

Manchester United's Omari Forson on February 24, 2024 © Reuters

Monza confirm arrival of Forson on a free transfer

Monza have now confirmed the capture of Forson, with his switch to the Italian outfit set to become official on July 1, with his Man United deal due to run until June 30.

Erik ten Hag's side will be due a compensation fee, but having been keen to keep hold of the youngster, his exit will come as a blow to the English giants.

Forson spent time with West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur during his youth career before making the move to Man United in 2019, eventually progressing to first-team level in 2023.

The attacker has also been capped twice by England Under-20s, and he will leave Man United with a record of one assist in seven-first team appearances for the club.

🤝 Let's go Omari 💎⚪️🔴#ACMonza #WelcomeForson pic.twitter.com/Bg8SlsurBt
— AC Monza (@ACMonza) June 11, 2024

Forson has agreed a four-year deal

As revealed via a statement on Monza's official website, Forson has agreed a contract with the Italian outfit until June 2028, and he is expected to be given an important first-team role at the club.

"Omari Nathan Forson is officially an AC Monza player. The English winger has signed a contract with the Biancorossi until 30th June 2028," revealed the Serie A team.

"One of the most promising prospects in Europe, Forson is Monza's first signing of the 2024/25 season. Welcome Omari!"

Monza finished 12th in Serie A last season, picking up 45 points from their 38 league matches, which ultimately left them 10 points ahead of the bottom three.