Omari Forson has decided to reject a new Manchester United deal and move to Serie A.
Forson was handed his Premier League debut by Erik ten Hag, impressing off the bench against Wolves and starting the February defeat to Fulham. United allowed his contract to run down, though, and he can now leave for a foreign league as a free agent.
Monza appear to have won the race, with the winger poised to sign a long-term deal with the Italian club. Raffaele Palladino's side finished 12th in Serie A last term, and count former Arsenal defender Pablo Mari among their current squad.
The move comes despite United insisting in early June that talks were still ongoing over a potential extension. He had earlier been expected to leave after rejecting a final offer from United. And now he's set to sign for Monza in his search for more first-team action.
Forson was brought into United's pre-season touring group in the summer of 2023. First-team opportunities followed, but by the end of the campaign he appeared to have been overtaken by Amad in the pecking order.
“I’ve learned so much – good habits on and off the pitch – and I’ve really enjoyed my time since the start of pre-season,” Forson told club media in August. “There’s a lot to learn – you’ve got to keep learning. The learning never stops, especially because I’m young.”
He only managed seven games in total, though. Four of those came in the league and three in the FA Cup, with the Fulham game at Old Trafford his only start.
Forson is by no means the only player to be leaving Old Trafford this season. Raphael Varane, Brandon Williams and Anthony Martial will all leave when their contracts expire at the end of June, though discussions remain open with veterans Tom Heaton and Jonny Evans.
Jadon Sancho could also end up leaving this summer after impressing on loan at Borussia Dortmund. United are thought to have lowered their asking price for the England international, who has two years left on his contract.
The summer transfer window formally opens on June 14, and will be United's first since the arrival of new part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe. The billionaire will oversee football affairs, with a new backroom team leading the way when it comes to transfer comings and goings, while questions still remain over manager Erik ten Hag.
Despite winning the FA Cup final and securing Europa League football, Ten Hag has yet to learn whether he will be in charge next season. It has been reported that a decision could be reached on the Dutchman by the end of this week.