Manchester United complete double raid on Manchester City academy
By Joel Masibo, September 27, 2026Manchester United have added another promising Manchester City academy player to their ranks after confirming the arrival of 16-year-old midfielder David Eze.
The England Under-16 international becomes the latest young player to cross the Manchester divide, following 17-year-old Karim Cassim, who completed his move to Old Trafford earlier this week.
Uncertainty around Man City’s academy
Eze’s arrival comes at a time when uncertainty surrounds Manchester City’s academy, with highly-rated youngster JJ Gabriel considering his future.
The 15-year-old has reportedly asked to leave United and is currently training individually while deciding on his next destination.
United have continued to strengthen their youth set-up with several other deals. The club recently announced a new contract for 17-year-old Noah Ajayi, while Dante Plunkett, Fred Heath and Will Murdock also committed their futures to the club last week.
United are also expected to complete the signing of 16-year-old Isaac Konde from Liverpool.
Cassim was part of the City squad that faced United in the FA Youth Cup final in May, although he remained on the bench as City secured a 2-1 victory.
The movement of young players between Premier League academies has increased in recent years. Changes brought about by Brexit have made it more difficult for English clubs to recruit overseas players below the age of 18, increasing the importance of domestic academy transfers.
United have previously completed similar deals involving City youngsters.
Darren Fletcher’s sons Jack and Tyler moved from City to United in 2023, while Harrison Parker made the journey in the opposite direction.
Charlie McNeil also returned to United from City’s academy and later helped the club win the FA Youth Cup alongside Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho in 2022.
The most recent senior player to move directly from City to United and subsequently feature for the first team was Wyn Davies, who made the switch in 1972.
Eze is represented by SEG International, an agency that has previously worked with former United manager Erik ten Hag.
The agency attracted attention at Old Trafford after being involved in the transfers of Rasmus Hojlund and Sofyan Amrabat during Ten Hag’s second summer in charge in 2023.
SEG currently has no first-team players at United, although it was involved in the club’s £70 million acquisition of Carlos Baleba in August 2026.
Meanwhile, the situation surrounding City’s academy has attracted greater attention following the Premier League’s verdict on the club’s financial charges. The possibility of sporting sanctions remains a major talking point, with the potential consequences creating uncertainty around the futures of several players and academy prospects.