Man Utd risk losing dissatisfied wonderkid as Ajax and Napoli lurk

Updated: 9 Jan 2024 16:10 GMT
3 min read

Isak Hansen-Aarøen appears to be leaving Manchester United next summer.

The Norwegian midfielder has an expiring contract, and despite Manchester United having made an offer to extend his deal, Hansen-Aarøen has no intention of prolonging his stay at Old Trafford as things stand.

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The 19-year-old playmaker hopes for more opportunities in the first team. In the meantime, clubs such as Ajax, Atlético Madrid and Napoli are already queuing up to secure his signature.

Hansen-Aarøen switched from Norwegian side Tromsø in 2020 after becoming the club's youngest-ever debutant at just 15 years of age. He joined the youth academy of Man Utd. The midfielder started out with the Red Devils' Under 18s and was given plenty of time to get used to the level in England.

Youngster wants out

Since last summer, Hansen-Aarøen has increasingly been given the opportunities to show himself around the first team. The youngster featured in pre-season, but a senior debut in a competitive match has not yet materialised.

In recent weeks, Hansen-Aarøen has been able to train several times with Erik ten Hag's team, who still sees a future in the Norwegian youth international. Despite his lack of first-team minutes, the club would like to keep him.

According to the Manchester Evening News, a four-and-a-half-year contract is ready for Hansen-Aarøen, but he is currently refusing to sign it. Hansen-Aarøen simply wants more prospects for playing time and is dissatisfied with his situation at the club.

The midfielder is therefore prepared to leave on a free transfer next summer, as long as this situation does not change quickly. If Hansen-Aarøen does indeed leave next summer, there will be no shortage of interest.

As mentioned, Ajax, Atlético Madrid and Napoli are said to be closely monitoring his situation. A January departure, however, does not seem realistic. Manchester United are keen to keep the midfielder and would only be willing to cash in on him now if a hefty sell-on percentage can be agreed.