Fleetwood Town can confirm young goalkeeper Billy Hartley has joined Premier League giants Manchester United after a four-year spell at the club's Academy.
Hartley, who first arrived at Fleetwood at the age of eight, joined up with the Under-9s back in 2019 following a successful trial.
The 12-year-old showed he had talent between the sticks and was converted to a goalkeeper during his time with the Under-10s and hasn’t looked back since as he has been a huge asset to the Town Academy.
Fleetwood-born Hartley has attended plenty of games at Highbury with his dad, who is an Onward Card holder, but will now have to focus on the next stage of his development as he makes his way to Carrington with The Red Devils.
Hartley has now switched clubs to join Manchester United following an agreement with a significant training compensation fee, which further adds to the income and profit made from a number of Academy graduates.
Jack Higgins, Academy Manager, said on the move: “We are really proud of Billy joining Manchester United. It’s an incredible achievement for him to be joining one of the biggest clubs in the world.
“It shows again the progression of our Academy and supporting players moving to their next destination at an age and stage that is right for them – every player and their journey is different.
“Billy joined us within our Pre-Academy over four years ago and has spent the whole time under the guidance of Mike Hall, our current Transition Lead Phase Coach.
“Mike deserves a huge amount of credit for not only his support in Billy’s personal development but also his role in converting him from an outfield player to a goalkeeper, to allow him to flourish enough for opportunities like this.
“I’m sure we’ll see Billy and his family regularly enough at Highbury in the future and will continue to support them all as best as we can from afar - well done Billy and good luck from us all.”
Fleetwood Town would like to thank Billy for his efforts over the last four years and wish him all the best in the future.