Manchester City are set to move 19‑year‑old striker Matty Warhurst this summer, the academy forward who has scored 61 goals in 97 games for the City Football Academy. With his contract expiring and first‑team chances dwindling behind Erling Haaland and the £116 million arrival of Elliot Anderson, the club is preparing a sell‑on deal that could bring future profit.

Why is Warhurst leaving?

Warhurst’s record is impressive, yet the pathway to senior football at the Etihad has narrowed. Hugo Viana, City’s sporting director, is reportedly insisting on a sell‑on clause to protect the club’s long‑term finances. The academy prodigy has attracted interest from five English Football League clubs – Stockport County, Swindon Town, Cambridge United, Northampton Town and Burton Albion – all eager to give him regular senior minutes. The timing aligns with the club’s pre‑season schedule, which begins on July 20, leaving a narrow window to finalise any deal.

How does this fit City’s current season?

Manchester City sit second in the Premier League, 78 points, 23W‑9D‑6L from 38 games, recent form LDWWD, and are 7 points behind leaders Arsenal. Their last result was a 1‑2 defeat to Aston Villa on 24 May 2026. The team has scored 77 goals and conceded 35, a +42 goal difference, underscoring a potent attack but also a crowded forward line. Adding Warhurst to a squad already boasting Haaland, Anderson and versatile newcomers under Enzo Maresca would create a logjam, prompting the club to look elsewhere for his development.

What are the financial implications?

City’s blueprint for academy exits often involves a modest upfront fee paired with a high‑percentage sell‑on clause. This approach mirrors past deals that have yielded significant returns when former academy players later command larger fees. By securing a sell‑on clause, Viana ensures that if Warhurst thrives in the lower leagues and later moves up, City will reap a share of that future transfer revenue.

What could happen next?

Negotiations are expected to intensify over the next few weeks. If a deal is struck, Warhurst could join a League Two side for the 2026/27 season, gaining the senior experience he needs. Meanwhile, City will continue to integrate Anderson and other signings, aiming to maintain their title challenge while managing squad depth. The outcome will reveal how the club balances nurturing home‑grown talent with the demands of competing at the highest level.