England international Nathan Bishop has joined Manchester United from Southend on a two-and-a-half-year deal for an undisclosed fee.
The 20-year old goalkeeper has featured 39 times for the League One side since making his first team debut in December 2017. Bishop has also made 17 appearances for Southend this season in all competitions.
Bishop, who grew through the ranks at the club, was at Carrington on Wednesday for his medical. He, however, passed the medical and will join United’s development squad. Also, Bishop will be part of the club’s warm weather training camp in Marbella during the winter break next month.
Speaking to United’s website, Bishop said: “The opportunity to join Manchester United is a dream come true.
“This club has a great record of developing goalkeepers and I cannot wait to work with the coaches here to improve every single day.
“I want to take the chance to thank everyone at Southend United for everything they have done for me throughout my time there; without their support, this move would not have been possible.”
Also speaking, Southend chairman Ron Martin said he is happy that the youngster has joined a big club like United, noting that he could not stand in the youngster’s way.
He said: “I could hardly refuse Nathan this opportunity.
“Denying a 20-year-old lad the prospect of fulfilling his ambition under the auspices of Man United is not what his club is about.
“The initial payment, if it goes through, is not so significant.
“However, if Nathan progresses and is ultimately sold then Southend United would benefit.
“For both club and player, I hope that proves to be the case sometime in the future.”
Southend boss Sol Campbell didn’t name the goalkeeper on Tuesday night’s 3-1 defeat to Doncaster as his transfer to United moved closer. After the game, Campbell confirmed Bishop’s absence from the squad, saying the youngster went to have his medical with the Red Devils.
