Hull City winger Jaden Philogene is currently one of the country’s hottest young properties after a standout 2023/24 season with the Tigers, which drew much of domestic and international attention.
Although Hull’s ambitious summer and January investment was not rewarded with a prized play-off finish, Philogene’s record was unblemished, as the tricky forward scored 12 goals – including a rabona and backheel against Rotherham United – while laying on a further 6 assists despite missing two months due to a knee ligament injury over the hectic Christmas period.
Those who have seen the England under-21 international play for Cardiff City and Hull City in the last two years should be unsurprised by the top-flight competition for his services.
Indeed, Barcelona’s admiration for the 22-year-old is indicative of the quality and potential in his possession, as he now appears set to leave the MKM Stadium less than a year after signing from Aston Villa on deadline day last summer.
Philogene, by his own admission, is eager to first clinch a move to the Premier League, putting Barcelona’s desire on hold for the time being and top-tier suitors on high alert.
Man United could gazump Ipswich Town for Hull City winger Jaden Philogene
According to a recent TEAMtalk article, Philogene is a player being seriously considered by Manchester United as the club’s leadership structure undergoes major changes, including the reform of their own recruitment policy.
It is understood that little substantial progress has been made in their efforts to bring Philogene to Old Trafford as of yet, despite the fact that he is on the radar in a stunning prospective transfer that would come at the expense of other Premier League opponents.
Tottenham Hotspur, who are currently enrolling Philogene’s younger brother in their academy, are said to be interested in signing the Hull forward this summer and could face stiff competition from United for a Champions League spot next season, while Crystal Palace and Everton are also among his many admirers.
In an unexpected turn of events, the most advanced interest is currently coming from Portman Road, with Ipswich Town reportedly leading the race for his signature following their emphatic promotion to the Premier League under Kieran McKenna – who will undoubtedly play a key role in convincing Philogene to join the Tractor Boys this summer.
According to BBC Sport, Philogene is anxious to join Ipswich, and discussions between the two have advanced, while the Premier League newcomers are also interested in Tigers teammate Jacob Greaves in a potential £30 million double-deal.
The allure of Ipswich is simple to understand from Philogene’s perspective, given Town manager McKenna’s exceptional man-management and positive developing style, but that move may not always be in Hull’s best interests.
Hull City should be glad about Man Utd’s Jaden Philogene transfer interest
Hull’s goal this summer is not to keep Philogene; rather, it is to secure the greatest transfer fee for his services.
New Head Coach Tim Walter would undoubtedly relish the opportunity to keep the flyer at the club for another year, but the prospect has significantly decreased in likelihood, and Hull would be wise to remain focused on obtaining the best possible return, which appears more likely from the Red Devils than from Ipswich.
After all, United receive near-unrivaled levels of expenditure through annual revenue and player sales, and have accrued the second-highest net spend over the last five seasons with a figure of £597 million, whereas Ipswich’s recent £22 million acquisition of fellow wing prospect Omari Hutchinson was their highest ever purchase.
Ipswich, who are not short on cash but will need to be shrewd and savvy in their shopping during July and August, cannot afford to pay over the odds for a player, whereas United are in a position where the risks are significantly lower, and historically don’t seem to care whether they pay excessively as long as they land their man.
How far their interest in Philogene extends remains to be seen.
However, it’s important to note that United are dealing with an ongoing crisis out wide, with Marcus Rashford and Antony both experiencing a significant drop in form to varying degrees, and Jadon Sancho looking likely to leave Manchester permanently due to what appears to be an irreparable feud with Erik ten Hag.
Philogene will not be their only target, but it makes perfect sense why they are pursuing him, and Hull should consider authorizing the sale rather than allowing Ipswich to sign him.
