2025 is set to be a year of mass overhaul in terms of Manchester City’s squad.
Numerous sky blue stalwarts are set to be moved on, while the Citizens have already spent big in the January transfer window to recruit younger players, with this forecast to be just the start.
So, with arguably the club’s greatest-ever player amongst those heading out the exit door, could Man City’s “best academy player” be poised to make an impact at first team level?
Kevin De Bruyne's Manchester City farewell
Following Tuesday night’s 2-1 victory over Aston Villa, Kevin De Bruyne now has just two matches left at the Etihad, hoping to depart by hoisting silverware aloft, ahead of Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest at Wembley.
The Belgian revealed last week that his departure was the club’s decision, stating that he was “a bit surprised” not to be offered a new contract, refusing to rule out the possibility of staying in Europe, perhaps even joining a rival Premier League club.
Jamie Jackson of the Guardian describes De Bruyne as Man City’s greatest-ever and most-decorated player, so he will certainly be a difficult man to replace, but do the Sky Blues have a youngster or two ready to fill his rather large void?
The Manchester City youngster who could replace De Bruyne
In recent weeks, James McAtee has seen his role increase in importance, starting Man City’s last two home games, scoring his first-ever Premier League goal for the club during the comeback 5-2 victory over Crystal Palace.
However, back in January, it was reported that the 22-year-old was unhappy with his lack of first team opportunities, pushing for a move to Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen, who were very interested, but this move was blocked by Pep Guardiola.
Once again, James Ducker of the Telegraph is reporting that Nottingham Forest are now targeting a move for McAtee who, despite those recent starts, could be forced to move in search of more regular first-team action.
So, could it be a different Manchester City youngster who gets properly integrated into the first team picture?
Given that he’s only 17 years old and yet to make his senior debut, Divine Mukasa may not be a name you’re familiar with just yet, but you surely will be soon, and these statistics emphasise exactly why.
Man City U18s
45
3,479
19
26
Man City U19s
9
495
Zero
4
Man City U21s
4
77
Zero
1
As the table outlines, Mukasa has been starring at under-18 level this season, with only Nicholas Oyekunle (Southampton), Lucá Williams-Barnett (Tottenham) and teammate Reigan Heskey having scored more goals in the U18 Premier League this season.
This has led to journalist Nassali Sandrah labelling Mukasa “the best academy player in Europe”, while Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout is impressed by his ‘passing, vision, ball control, creativity, dribbling and first touch’, all useful attributes!
So, while Mukasa may not be ready just yet to become a regular fixture in the Manchester City first team, he certainly appears to be a star in the making.
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