Manchester United have completed the permanent sale of Ethan Williams to Peterborough United, with a huge 50% sell-on clause reportedly included in the deal.
The 20-year-old has signed a long-term contract with the League One club after spending much of pre-season working with Michael Carrick’s first-team squad. Peterborough confirmed Williams arrived for a “sizeable undisclosed fee”.
Ethan Williams leaves Man Utd with major clauses included
Further details reported by The Sun say United have retained a 50% sell-on clause, as well as a buy-back option and matching rights.
Those protections could prove valuable if Williams develops significantly at Peterborough and attracts interest from clubs further up the pyramid.
The winger leaves Old Trafford without making a competitive senior appearance, although he was involved heavily during pre-season and scored in United’s 5-0 victory over Rosenborg last month.
ReadManUtd’s report from Trondheim highlighted Williams’ late goal after Jaydan Kamason found him with a low delivery from the right.
Williams also gained senior experience during loan spells with Cheltenham Town and Falkirk before United sanctioned a permanent departure.
Peterborough manager Luke Williams described his new signing as quick and direct, while Ethan Williams admitted leaving United was difficult but felt regular senior football was important for his development.
United may therefore have lost another academy prospect permanently, but the structure of the deal leaves them well protected if Williams’ career takes off elsewhere.
