Manchester United have bolstered their youth ranks with the signing of 18-year-old French forward Enzo Kana-Biyik from Le Havre, a move confirmed by the club on July 10, 2025. The exciting young striker, who joins on a free transfer after his contract with the Ligue 2 side expired, has signed a deal until June 2029 and will spend the 2025-26 season on loan at FC Lausanne-Sport, a club owned by United’s parent company, INEOS. The acquisition underscores United’s ongoing commitment to nurturing young talent as part of manager Ruben Amorim’s squad rebuild following a challenging 2024-25 campaign.
🚨 Official, confirmed. Man United have announced the signing of 18 year old striker Enzo Kana-Biyik.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 10, 2025
The striker who joined from Le Havre will spend this season on loan at Lausanne Sport. pic.twitter.com/diTAJsETIX
A Rising Star from Le Havre
Enzo Kana-Biyik, born in 2007, has been a standout prospect in Le Havre’s esteemed academy, which has produced notable talents like Paul Pogba, Dimitri Payet, and Riyad Mahrez. Despite not yet making his senior debut for Le Havre, Kana-Biyik impressed with nine goals in 15 appearances for their Under-19 side during the 2024-25 season, while also training regularly with the first team. His performances caught the attention of Manchester United’s scouting network, with the club moving swiftly to secure his signature on a free transfer, though a small compensation fee was likely paid due to his age and status.
The versatile forward, capable of playing as a central striker or in wider attacking roles, is noted for his pace, technical ability, and goal-scoring instinct. United’s academy staff, who have implemented French language training to support players like Malian midfielder Sekou Kone, are well-equipped to help Kana-Biyik settle at Carrington, though his immediate future lies with Lausanne-Sport to gain senior experience.
Strategic Move for United’s Future
The signing of Kana-Biyik aligns with United’s strategy under Amorim and sporting director Jason Wilcox to invest in high-potential youngsters while addressing Financial Fair Play constraints. The club’s youth recruitment has been active this summer, with Kana-Biyik joining Paraguayan left-back Diego Leon and Southampton youngster Harley Emsden-James as part of a triple swoop to bolster the academy. Additionally, United secured a new four-year deal for 16-year-old centre-back Jayden Ngwashi, fending off interest from European clubs, as confirmed by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
Kana-Biyik’s move to Lausanne-Sport for the 2025-26 season is designed to accelerate his development in a competitive first-team environment. The Swiss Super League side, where he will link up with fellow United prospect Sekou Kone, offers a platform for the young forward to gain regular minutes, with United’s academy staff closely monitoring his progress. Manchester World reported that the club sees Kana-Biyik as a long-term investment, with the potential to break into the senior squad in the coming years, especially as Amorim looks to reshape a first team that finished 15th in the Premier League last season.
Context of United’s Transfer Window
United’s focus on youth comes amid a broader squad overhaul following a disappointing campaign that culminated in a Europa League final loss to Tottenham. The club has already secured high-profile first-team signings, including Wolves forward Matheus Cunha for £62.5 million, who will wear the No. 10 shirt, and are in advanced talks for Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, though negotiations have stalled over a £65 million valuation. Meanwhile, Napoli’s £45 million bid for Alejandro Garnacho highlights the potential for outgoings, with Garnacho, Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Antony, and Tyrell Malacia reportedly told they can seek new clubs.
Kana-Biyik’s arrival, while not an immediate solution to United’s attacking needs, reflects a proactive approach to building for the future. His loan to Lausanne-Sport ensures he can develop without the immediate pressure of Premier League football, while United continue to pursue established forwards like Fiorentina’s Moise Kean and Leicester’s Jamie Vardy, as noted by Manchester Evening News. The club’s youth strategy, emphasized by Wilcox’s vision to emulate United’s rich history of homegrown talent, also saw 12 new scholars inducted into the Under-18 setup, including forwards Noah Ajayi, Neithan Barbosa, and Nathaniel-Junior Brown.
What’s Next for Kana-Biyik?
As Kana-Biyik prepares for his loan spell at Lausanne-Sport, the focus will be on adapting to senior football and refining his goal-scoring instincts. His versatility and work rate make him a good fit for Amorim’s high-pressing system, but patience will be key, as noted by BBC Sport in their analysis of United’s youth signings. The club’s investment in bilingual staff and a supportive academy environment bodes well for his integration, and a successful season in Switzerland could position him for a future role at Old Trafford.
For Manchester United, Kana-Biyik’s signing is a statement of intent—a low-cost, high-reward move that strengthens their pipeline of talent. As the Red Devils navigate a critical transfer window, with ongoing pursuits like Mbeumo and potential departures like Garnacho, the addition of an exciting young forward like Kana-Biyik offers hope for a brighter future at the Theatre of Dreams.
