Ayden’s move from Arsenal to Manchester United therefore represents a key turning point in his promising career. After two years at Arsenal, he concluded his development was stalled and made the switch to Old Trafford and with it came greater fortunes for guidance. Only nine days after his club visit, his transfer announcement came through! That day, he got a tearful send-off by his teammates, a testament to the kind of strong bonds he had developed during his years at Arsenal.
At Arsenal, Ayden had to compete for minutes. He was placed behind proven performers Gabriel and Jakub Kiwior for the left-centre-back spot. The arrival of Riccardo Calafiori, signed for £42 million shortly after Ayden’s participation in the club’s pre-season tour in the United States, further complicated his prospects. This struggle forced Ayden to reconsider his future and eventually choose to join Manchester United.
After transferring, Ayden was ready to make his mark in his new setting. He always showed great confidence that he’d make it into the United squad. As he said when first joining Southampton, “I feel like I’ve got nothing to lose and I can find my feet here and prove myself more than I could at other clubs.” His optimism is based on a close relationship with then-Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta during his time at the club. He’s hoping to deepen that bond at United.
The competitive landscape at Manchester United is a brutal, unrelenting environment. Ayden’s prospects changed overnight when Lisandro Martinez sustained a season ending injury in the same match where Ayden made his debut. His injury helped open a door for Ayden to receive some vital playing time. His only appearance for United came off the bench during a 3-0 victory over Preston in the Carabao Cup’s last sixteen, showcasing his readiness to contribute.
Here is what Lisa, Ayden’s mother and newly appointed agent had to say about the decision to depart from Arsenal. She called it “bittersweet” since Ayden thrived on all the support he got at the club. “They had been so wonderful with him,” she added, reminiscing about their time together. And when Ayden turned pro at just 16, Lisa took on the role of agent. She strategically steered him through contracts and deals that would determine his future success.
Lisa, Andy Squires May, and Karim Bouzidi all played key roles in the negotiations that led to Ayden’s transfer. Their joint attempt was instrumental in getting his transfer to United through the door. Jason Wilcox, club director and another key figure to the club’s success, recognized Ayden’s potential. At only 18 years old, he understood that Ayden was prepared for this next stage.
Ayden is immersing himself in his new life at Manchester United. He continues to carry profound gratitude for the way his then Arsenal teammates supported him. “They gave me a ton of love after the game,” he said. He spoke about the incredible sense of community that characterized his time at the club.
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