Manchester City's academy has started the new season with significant developments, including a new weekly roundup of news from the City Football Academy. Both the Under-21s and Under-18s have new coaches, with Oli Reiss stepping up to the EDS side after leading the Under-18s to FA Youth Cup glory last season. Lauris Coggin, Reiss's former assistant, takes charge of the Under-18s as they begin their league campaign this weekend.
Parker Goes Pro
Xavier Parker, a highly rated 16-year-old midfielder, has committed his future to City by signing a one-year scholarship deal. The deal will automatically become a long-term professional contract next summer. Parker, who turns 17 in May, was linked with Liverpool and Manchester United but has chosen to stay at the Etihad.
His new status is significant because any club seeking to sign him would now have to pay a transfer fee rather than go through a tribunal, which is standard for players not on professional terms. This mirrors the situation with Jeremy Monga, whom City signed from Leicester for an initial £10 million this summer. Parker is set to feature for the Under-18s and Under-21s this season and will also train with Enzo Maresca's first-team squad.
Transfer Windfall
City's academy continues to produce talent that moves on for significant fees. Shea Charles has sealed a £30 million move from Southampton to Fulham after a stellar season. Charles joined City at age seven, progressed through the academy, and made his Premier League debut in 2023. He moved to Southampton that summer and has now joined Fulham, with City receiving £4 million from the deal due to a sell-on clause.
Braithwaite Breakthrough
City held an open training session on Thursday at the Joie Stadium in front of fans, with Enzo Maresca preparing the squad for the Community Shield against Arsenal on Sunday. Kaden Braithwaite, the only academy player involved, captained the Under-18s to FA Youth Cup glory last season. The 18-year-old Bolton-born defender is expected to play a key role for Reiss's Under-21s this season, and his presence in first-team training suggests Maresca is impressed.
Upcoming Fixtures
City U18s face Liverpool on Saturday, August 15, at 11am in the Under-18 Premier League. The U21s travel to Mansfield on Wednesday, August 19, at 7pm in the Vertu Trophy.
