Transfer Update — Joe Hugill Heads to Barnet on Loan Amid Uncertain Future at Manchester United
Manchester United striker Joe Hugill is set to join Barnet FC on a season-long loan deal, according to journalist @NathSalt1. The 20-year-old forward, who has spent the past few years developing within United’s academy and reserves, will now take the next step in his career with a move to the National League side in search of consistent senior football.
What makes this move particularly noteworthy is the timing — Hugill’s Manchester United contract is due to expire in the summer of 2026, making this upcoming season a potentially defining chapter in his professional journey. As things stand, there has been no confirmation of a contract extension, leaving his long-term future at Old Trafford hanging in the balance.
Hugill joined United from Sunderland in 2020 and quickly caught attention with his goal-scoring ability at youth level, including a memorable four-goal display against Liverpool U23s. While he has featured in multiple first-team training sessions and pre-season tours under Erik ten Hag, he has yet to make his senior competitive debut for the Red Devils.
The loan to Barnet presents both a challenge and an opportunity: it allows Hugill to test himself in the physically demanding environment of lower-league football, while also giving United a chance to evaluate his readiness for senior-level contribution — either at Old Trafford or elsewhere.
For Barnet, this is a significant acquisition — a young forward with Premier League pedigree and a reputation for finishing, eager to prove himself and make an impact.
If Hugill impresses, United may yet offer him a contract renewal. If not, he could be on the move permanently next summer, either as a free agent or on a pre-contract elsewhere. Either way, this loan spell could shape the next phase of his career.
