Manchester United youth star Ben Hockenhull has completed a transfer to Premier League hopefuls Brentford.
As reported by The Sun, EFL Championship outfit Brentford have completed the signing of Manchester United youngster Ben Hockenhull ahead of the summer transfer window, which opens on July 27.
The 18-year-old Hockenhull came through the youth ranks at Manchester United and had been a regular for the club’s Under-18 setup during the 2019/20 campaign. The centre-back featured 14 times in the Under-18 Premier League, contributing with two assists.
Hockenhull also featured in the club’s FA Youth Cup wins against Leeds United and Norwich City alongside youth team captain Teden Mengi in the absence of regular partner Will Fish. He chipped in with an assist in the two outings as well.
Manchester United had extended the 18-year-old’s contract with the club till December 2020, amid uncertainties over the futures of a number of youth players due to the coronavirus crisis.
New chapter in my career, can’t wait to get started❤️? @BrentfordFC pic.twitter.com/cfBHkMeCeD
— Ben Hockenhull (@BenHockenhull1) July 24, 2020
However, the Red Devils have now helped the young Hockenhull secure a transfer to Brentford, who will be eyeing a promotion to the Premier League via playoffs, after having finished third in the EFL Championship this season. The youngster has signed a two-year deal with the Bees, and will be linking up with the club’s B team starting next season.
Brentford B coach Neil MacFarlane was full of praises for the 18-year-old centre-back, having completed his signing. “First and foremost, Ben is coming from a top football club. He’s somebody that has fantastic presence on the pitch,” he said.
“As a centre-back, size is important in English football, but he’s got much more to his game than that. He’s fantastic on the ball and in possession, and with us being a possession-based team, that will stand him in good stead. We think there is lots more development in Ben and he will be a great addition to the squad.”
Hockenhull becomes the latest youngster to depart Manchester United, following in the footsteps of the likes of Largie Ramazani, Ethan Hamilton, Demetri Mitchell, Cameron Borthwick-Jackson and Dion McGhee, who is attracting interest from the likes of West Ham United and Rangers.