Manchester United academy duo near permanent exits with protective clauses secured

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Manchester United youngsters James Overy and Louis Jackson are close to leaving the club, with moves to Sydney FC and St Mirren respectively taking shape, BBC Sport has revealed.

Simon Stone reports that Overy is nearing a return to Australia with A-League side Sydney, while Jackson is holding talks over a switch to the Scottish Premiership.

Neither transfer has been presented as complete. However, Jackson is due to undergo a medical with St Mirren on Thursday before finalising his move.

Overy closing in on Australia return

Overy, 18, was born in Perth and joined United in 2024. The defender featured for the Red Devils at Under-21 level last season, giving him experience in the highest tier of the club’s development set-up.

He was also included in United’s squad for the FA Youth Cup final in May, when Manchester City emerged victorious.

His progress has extended to the international stage. Overy represented Australia at last season’s Under-20 World Cup before receiving his first senior call-up in November.

A move to Sydney would therefore take the teenager back to his country of birth at a point when he has already attracted the attention of Australia’s senior selectors.

There was a recent indication that his United situation could be changing when he was absent from the Under-21 side’s opening Premier League 2 fixture.

The young Red Devils won that match 5-0 against Ipswich Town at Leigh on 24 August, but Overy was a notable absentee.

Jackson set for St Mirren medical

Jackson’s prospective departure would end a longer association with United’s youth ranks. The 20-year-old, who was born in Oldham, was part of the club’s FA Youth Cup-winning team in 2022.

The defender is also a Scotland youth international, providing a clear connection to the country in which he could now continue his senior career.

Jackson spent part of last season on loan at National League club Solihull Moors. That spell gave him experience away from United’s academy environment before the latest talks with St Mirren.

A move to a Scottish Premiership side could offer a more direct route towards regular senior football, although the transfer remains subject to his medical and the completion of the agreement.

Clauses protect United’s position

The proposed terms are particularly significant for United. Both deals will contain sell-on clauses as well as buy-back options.

Sell-on provisions could allow the Red Devils to benefit financially if either defender develops and later moves elsewhere, while buy-back clauses would preserve a potential route to Old Trafford.

That structure should soften the loss of two young defenders with international recognition and notable Youth Cup involvement. It allows Overy and Jackson to seek clearer senior opportunities without United completely surrendering an interest in their future progress.

The moves would also represent two changes to the club’s development defensive ranks shortly after the new Premier League 2 campaign began. It remains to be seen how quickly both deals are formally concluded, but each player now appears close to beginning the next stage of his career away from Manchester.

Overall credibility: 9/10

Why?

This report is very likely to be accurate and we expect both moves to be completed soon.