INEOS summer signing officially confirms retirement plan

INEOS spent the summer reshaping Manchester United, but one of their new arrivals has now confirmed where he intends to finish his playing career.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s football operation attacked Michael Carrick’s midfield aggressively.

Andrey Santos, 22, arrived from Chelsea before 29-year-old Youri Tielemans following from Aston Villa.

Then came the biggest investment.

Carlos Baleba, also 22, joined from Brighton as United committed almost £150 million to rebuilding their midfield.

The Cameroon international is still waiting for his competitive debut because of an ankle injury.

However, Baleba finally wore red in Friday’s behind-closed-doors friendly against Lausanne-Sport at Carrington.

Karl Darlow, 35, was the oldest major first-team arrival, joining on a free transfer after leaving Leeds United.

None appears close to retirement.

Instead, another summer recruit within INEOS’ football network has now spoken openly about the final chapter of a remarkable career.

INEOS summer signing confirms retirement plan

OGC Nice have published comments from Axel Witsel confirming that he expects the French club to be his final destination.

INEOS also own Nice, and the 37-year-old joined the Ligue 1 side as a free agent in August on a one-year contract with an option for another season.

Witsel said that, in his mind, Nice will be his last club. He hopes to remain for as long as possible and explained that he no longer sees himself moving his family again.

The Belgian has travelled football’s map for two decades, representing Standard Liege, Benfica, Zenit Saint Petersburg, Borussia Dortmund, Atlético Madrid and Girona before arriving in France.

He also retired from Belgium duty in September after reaching 140 caps, bringing down the curtain on an international journey which began in 2008.

Former United academy defender Scott Wootton also retired in September, while Cristiano Ronaldo has suggested 2026/27 could be his final season.

For INEOS, one summer signing represents the future. Another is preparing, on his own terms, for a final goodbye.