One of Manchester United’s many summer exits was a transfer seven months in the making.
And after trying and failing to get a deal done in January, Cardiff City will just be hoping that the wait for Will Fish was worth it after all.
Manchester United confirmed late last week that the Carrington graduate had followed Facundo Pellistri, Maxi Oyedele and co out the door.
The Manchester-born Fish moves to South Wales for £1 million, rising to £3 million with add-ons. And, as is customary in these Ineos-driven days, the Red Devils inserted a sizeable sell-on clause into his contract.
Thus, ensuring that if Cardiff make a substantial profit later down the line they will not be the only ones to benefit, per The Athletic.
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Manchester United sell Will Fish to Cardiff City
Bluebirds boss Erol Bulut opened up on his admiration for Fish on Thursday last week, believing that the former Hibernian loanee will add ‘quality’ to his backline while offsetting Mark McGuinness’ £10 million move to Luton Town.
And once the deal was finally completed a day later, Bulut provided a further glimpse behind the Cardiff curtain.
The former Fenerbahce coach confirms that Fish had first attracted his attention midway through last season during his time in Edinburgh, Bulut now finally reeling in his prize catch.
“He is a young defender who has been at Manchester United for many years, so has had a good education from them,” Bulut tells the Cardiff website.
“For the last two years, he was in Hibernian. We watched him and we were interested in him in January too.
“We hope that he will progress with us in a good way. He is still 21 years old, just starting his career and he is good on the ball, good in duels, so he will add to our playing style.
“Of course, he has to push to be in the team. He is not quite ready to play yet, so he will be with us after the international break and hopefully he can add positive things to our game.”
Fish, a former England Under 19 international, sees his Cardiff debut delayed due to the injury he picked up in pre season. Once fit, the youngster will look to build on the improvements he made at Hibernian, having made almost 70 appearances across two years in Scotland.
Another Carrington graduate leaves Old Trafford
“I’m delighted. It took a while to get it over the line, but now I’m here. I can’t wait to get going and embrace it,” says Fish, who ends his 14-year association with Manchester United.
“It’s a huge club. The direction that the club want to go in, you’ve seen a lot of good signings in this window. Being a part of that is really exciting and I’m happy to be here. Hopefully, I can do my best for the team.
“I’ve spoken to people that have played here in the past and they only said good things. I’ve heard amazing things about the fans. I spoke to (Hibs director and former goalkeeper) David Marshall, who was here and the fans love him.
“That just shows that if you do well, they’ll back you forever. I just can’t wait to step out on the pitch.
“Marshy has played the game for a long time. I dropped him a text and the first thing he said was what an amazing football club it is. Marshy, when you speak to him, you know that what he tells you is right, so I have full belief that I’m making the right decision.”
from United In Focus https://ift.tt/GAhg42L