Man City ‘agree’ British-record transfer fee with Leeds United

Manchester City continues to augment their academy with the addition of a Leeds United prodigy.

A further prospective gem is expected to be added to Manchester City’s academy system as the club continues to invest in youthful talent. Although City have incurred substantial expenditures over the past decade or so, they have also developed a shrewd academy philosophy.

City have long recognized the importance of developing top talent to reduce spending on incoming signings and increase their margin to spend through sales or loan agreements, a strategy that rivals Chelsea have mastered since their overhaul shortly after the turn of the millennium and in order to comply with Financial Fair Play regulations that always affect high-spending clubs.

Pep Guardiola has incorporated the 18-year-old midfielder Rico Lewis, the most recent example of a member of City’s academy to play a pivotal position, into his strategy. Cole Palmer, who netted the equalizer for Chelsea on Sunday against City, was sold during the summer transfer window for £42.5 million.

Reportedly, in an effort to maintain their success in this regard, City have agreed to pay a British record fee for a 15-year-old in order to acquire a Leeds United prospect. A agreement has reportedly been reached with the Championship Whites to sign youngster Finley Gorman, according to The Athletic. It has been reported that a seven-figure transfer fee has been reached, and the 15-year-old is expected to join City shortly.

Gorman, who can also play wide, is an attacking midfielder who previously represented England under-16s prior to turning 15 years old. Since Leeds are unable to extend a professional contract to Gorman until he turns 17, City’s options are essentially limited to reaching a compensation agreement with the Yorkshire club. It is alleged that figure has now reached an all-time high for a player of Gorman’s age; Leeds supporters are not surprised by this, considering the youngster is among the highest-rated members of the club’s youth divisions.