Perhaps the biggest indication of the incredible plethora of youth talent at Manchester City is seeing how much demand they have generated this summer.
One of the biggest examples of the aforementioned statement is Southampton’s coup of Gavin Bazunu.
For a Premier League club to entrust a 20-year-old as their number one, despite him having only played in League One, League Two and the League of Ireland Premier Division at senior level is a huge leap of faith.
Advert
Similarly, the Saints have also put their faith into Romeo Lavia as their prime defensive midfielder during the 2022/23 season.
Leeds United have also taken a similar route by adding midfield prodigy Darko Gyabi to their ranks this summer.
While CJ-Egan Riley has also reunited with Vincent Kompany in a permanent move for one of the favourites to win the Championship in Burnley.
Advert
The former Sky Blues captain has also taken on board the highly-rated Tommy Doyle, who has joined the Clarets on loan.
Other youngsters at the Etihad Stadium who have headed out on season-long loan spells include James Trafford and Yan Couto to Bolton Wanderers and Girona respectively.
As a result, it is clear to see that City’s policy of nurturing some of the finest young talent is clearly working like a charm.
A new update has now suggested that the club aim to take this process to another level by bringing through one of the savviest operators working behind-the-scenes at a fellow Premier League club.
Advert
As per a report by Phil Hay of the Athletic, Manchester City have appointed Leeds United scout, Paul Midgley, who serves as the head of national academy recruitment before leaving the club at the end of last term.
It has been stated that Midgley’s role at Elland Road was to recruit junior players in the age categories from U12s to U16s.
Further details suggest that he is set to take over as a youth scout in the northern area at Pep Guardiola’s side.
Advert
Ultimately, the signings of Liam Delap and Josh Wilson-Esbrand from the likes of Derby County and West Ham United in recent years suggest that the club already have a successful track record in terms of signing players within the country.
The appointment of a figure as established as Paul Midgley could potentially elevate the club’s youth scouting to unparalleled standards, considering Leeds United have always had a reputation of producing some of the finest young talent in the country.
City themselves are starting to earn a reputation of bringing through talented youth players.
Phil Foden is recognised worldwide as one of the finest midfielders and Cole Palmer's breakthrough into the first-team last season is further proof that the CFA system is working.
Advert
Even if they don't make it at the Etihad Stadium, many young talents have gone on to have successful careers elsewhere.
Featured Image Credit: News Images LTD / AlamyTopics: Manchester City, Leeds United, Premier League