Ryan McAidoo made a strong case for a first-team role with an eye-catching performance in Manchester City's pre-season opener against Inter. The 18-year-old winger played the second half and was among the standout players, repeatedly threatening to score or create a goal.
City are exploring options for wide players in the transfer market, and Savinho has been linked with a move to Tottenham this summer. But McAidoo scored on his senior debut under Pep Guardiola last season and has impressed new manager Enzo Maresca in the early days of training.
McAidoo's future undecided
Maresca said no decisions have been made about the many young players on tour, with the club monitoring them over the four weeks of pre-season. The question is whether McAidoo can play his way into the City squad or whether a loan move would be more suitable.
Several clubs have already expressed interest in taking him, and that list may grow following his latest display.
Maresca highlights youth record
Maresca pointed to his history of giving debuts at Leicester City and Chelsea as an indication that the right decision will be made for McAidoo.
"Since day one to be honest with Ryan, we were speaking with the club and since day one he is the kind of winger I love," he said. "Very aggressive one v one, he always tries, makes the right decisions. But he is very young and he needs the right path."
"At the moment, with most of the young players, the idea was to see them during pre-season and then decide. We started ten days ago and Ryan is working well. We are going to take the right decision. I am always very open with young players. At Leicester, it was a record number of debuts from the academy. And at Chelsea it was also a record number of debuts from the academy."
