Former Southampton chief Les Reed reveals £30m transfer secret
The red-hot transfer market has seen many high-profile deals over the years, but few come close to the 2014 saga of Luke Shaw. According to former Southampton chief Les Reed, United ended up paying more than double what was expected.
Reed, speaking on a podcast with Ben Foster, recalled the moment when he negotiated with Manchester United for the highly-rated defender:
I came back to the Southampton offices and my office is on the same floor as the finance director and the chief executive. And they had their doors open and we were chatting… They've both gone, 'So, how much [did you sell him for]?' And I went, 'Go on, guess.' So the finance director said £12m and the CEO said, 'Nah nah, more than that. £15m.' And I said, 'Nah, you're both wrong. £30m.'
This deal remains Southampton's most lucrative academy sale to date. Shaw emerged from their famed youth system before becoming a regular at St Mary's as a teenager. United considered it a coup that saw them beat off competition from other Premier League rivals.
How Manchester United Overpaid for Shaw
Luke Shaw transferred to Manchester United in 2014 for a world-record fee of £30m, making him the most expensive teenager at the time. But little did United know they were about to be outbid.
At the time, Southampton was looking to reinvest its funds into further development and was prepared to accept an offer around the £15m mark—well within the negotiation range for a top defender. However, United’s Ed Woodward wanted what he couldn't get cheaply: £30m.
Legacy and Injuries: Shaw's Tale at Man Utd
The deal has held up over a decade but has not translated into the kind of sustained success at Old Trafford United fans would have hoped. Shaw, now 31 years old, has been a regular in the England setup but has had his share of injuries that have limited his playing time.
Since 2014, Shaw has made fewer than 13 Premier League appearances in five out of his 12 seasons at Manchester United. He is now entering his final year of contract and there’s no current talks for a new deal. United are also looking to replace him, with Newcastle's Lewis Hall being high on their radar.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much was Luke Shaw sold for by Southampton in 2014?
Southampton sold Luke Shaw to Manchester United in a £30m deal, much more than the original expectations of around £15m.
Why did Manchester United overpay for Shaw?
United wanted to secure their place as top contenders and were willing to pay through the nose to prevent rivals from securing this talent. But they may have underestimated Reed’s negotiating skills.