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Newcastle United have set their sights on Manchester United’s head of youth recruitment, David Harrison, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Harrison has been with Manchester United since 2017, overseeing the recruitment structure in the club’s academy.
During the six year period, the academy has seen a surge in big signings including the latest breakout star, Alejandro Garnacho.
Fabrizio Romano said on Twitter yesterday “Newcastle are in advanced talks to appoint Manchester United’s Head of Young Recruitment David Harrison as new Head of Emerging Talent.”
“Harrison will work for first team and oversee Academy signings world wide.”
Excl: Newcastle are in advanced talks to appoint Manchester United’s Head of Young Recruitment David Harrison as new Head of Emerging Talent ⚪️⚫️ #NUFC
Harrison will work for first team and oversee Academy signings world wide. pic.twitter.com/FTkMpU8Wh8
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 24, 2023
With the allure of working with Newcastle’s first team and their big budget under new owners, the move will be seen as a promotion for Harrison, who originally made the move across Manchester six years ago.
Previously the head of European youth scouting for Manchester City, he was enticed over to United to lead the revamp of the United academy which had began to flail.
This role not only involved the recruitment of players but also the scouting structure throughout the youth set up.
One of these moves included Harrison using his connections to return to Manchester City and steal the highly rated Stephen Ajewole to become the lead phase scout for the south of England.
With the recent changes due to Brexit prohibiting the signing of players outside the UK under the age of 18, the importance of recruitment in the local area has increased.
United fans can take some solace though in the fact that things haven’t all gone to plan under Harrison.
Typically looking for around five recruitments every summer, there have only been three signings in the past two years for the club’s u18s. It is a period which has seen United miss out on a number of their targets including Jayden Meghoma, who is now flying with Southampton’s u21s at only 16 years of age.
It is unknown yet who will take charge upon Harrison’s departure but it is important that the changes in United’s ranks continue to keep speed with the advancement of Manchester City and Chelsea’s programs.
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