United’s summer transfer plans have impacted 19yo wonderkid’s future as Belgian giants circle – report

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Manchester United academy wonderkid Ethan Williams could be set to leave the club permanently this summer, with interest from all across Europe on the rise.

The 19-year-old spent the second half of last season out on loan at League Two outfit Cheltenham Town, where he made eight starts and contributed two goals and as many assists.

His performances have attracted the interest of a couple of League One sides, including Stockport County and Blackpool, as well as Scottish Premiership side Hibernian.

Now, they have joined by Belgium giants Anderlecht and Club Brugge in the race, as per trusted journalist Ben Jacobs.

Ethan Williams could be on the move

The reporter also claimed that with Matheus Cunha already signed, and Bryan Mbeumo expected to join him, there is hardly any space in the first team for the young Englishman.

Initially, it was expected that United would loan him out to help him in his development, but Jacobs hints that all options remain on the table regarding his future.

Understand Ethan Williams is drawing interest from Belgium sides Anderlecht and Club Brugge.

One year left on his #MUFC contract with several clubs impressed by his loan at Cheltenham.

19-year-old’s future is open especially with Matheus Cunha arriving and Bryan Mbeumo talks… pic.twitter.com/ELNw7ChM9a

— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) June 30, 2025

“Understand Ethan Williams is drawing interest from Belgium sides Anderlecht and Club Brugge.

“One year left on his Manchester United contract with several clubs impressed by his loan at Cheltenham.

“19-year-old’s future is open especially with Matheus Cunha arriving and Bryan Mbeumo talks advancing,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

No space in the first team

Ethan Williams excels on the left, scoring four goals and providing two assists for the U21s last term, including three goals in four games in the UEFA Youth League.

He was key for the U18s the season prior, scoring 17 goals and providing nine assists, as the Under-18s won a treble. But despite featuring in pre-season last time out, a senior appearance has eluded him thus far.

Whether United agree a contract extension and send him out on loan or whether they agree to permanently offload him remains to be seen but it is imperative that he gets regular minutes, something Ruben Amorim might not be able to offer him at this stage.

Selling him with a buyback clause while also including a sell-on fee would be the ideal move.

Feature image George Wood via Getty Images

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