Manchester United have launched an eleventh-hour attempt to hijack Chelsea’s move for Sheffield Wednesday starlet Yisa Alao. The Red Devils are reportedly in direct contact with the player’s camp to convince the young defender to choose Old Trafford over Stamford Bridge.
The Bid War: Six Figures vs. Seven Figures
The competition for the 17-year-old left-back has intensified following his first-team breakthrough in August 2025. While Manchester United initially tested the waters with a £450,000 offer earlier this month, Chelsea have responded with a more aggressive financial package.
- Chelsea’s Position: According to The Athletic, the London club has submitted a six-figure bid that, with performance-related bonuses and add-ons, is expected to exceed £1 million.
- Manchester United’s Strategy: Despite Chelsea being considered the favorites by TEAMtalk, United’s recruitment team is leaning on the “Carrick project” to lure Alao, promising a clearer pathway to first-team football following the recent loan of Harry Amass to Norwich.
Sheffield Wednesday’s Financial Crisis
The sale of Alao is seen as an inevitability rather than a possibility. Sheffield Wednesday are currently enduring a severe financial crisis and sit at the bottom of the Championship table.
Sources suggest the club is forced to monetize its “crown jewels” to balance the books, making the bidding war between the two Premier League giants a vital lifeline for the Owls’ survival.
Expert Insight: “Chelsea Leads, United Persistent”
Journalist Ben Jacobs has confirmed that while Chelsea currently holds the advantage in negotiations, the deal is far from signed. Manchester United remains “active and persistent” in talks with Alao’s entourage, hoping the player’s desire for a specific development plan will tip the scales in their favor before the window closes.
James Horan is a football writer focused on the Premier League transfer market, covering confirmed signings, transfer rumors, and club strategies during the transfer windows.
