MANCHESTER CITY could have had a line-up full of superstars – without paying a penny.
The City academy has produced some gems in recent years, but few remain at the club.
Pep Guardiola has the likes of , Nico O’Reilly and Rico Lewis at his disposal thanks to the youth department, yet is set to spend hundreds of millions to revamp his squad this summer.
Instead, City could already have some of the most talented players in the league at their disposal, if only they had held onto them.
In demand striker was let go last summer and is on the radar of several Prem clubs, including , Tottenham and , as is former City goalkeeper James Trafford.
Chelsea have been big beneficiaries of City’s academy set-up and now boast three former Cityzens – , Romeo Lavia and Tosin Adarabioyo.
The Blues have also been , Morgan Rogers.
The midfielder has been a standout player this season for and earned his first caps.
Another player who could make a move this summer is Jeremie Frimpong, who played for City’s academy between 2010 and 2019 before moving to Celtic.
The right-back has since helped win the Bundesliga and could make a when the transfer window reopens.
Two other City players have impressed playing abroad too – at Bayern Munich and Eric Garcia, who looks set to win LaLiga with .
City’s former academy stars did not cost anything for the club to bring in, and some have since fetched eye-watering fees.
It appears the club is set to break the bank once again to get back to title-winning ways.
City’s top priority is , who could cost a record £126m.
City have also although they are yet to submit a bid.
Milan want around £60m for the Dutch midfielder, which would make him their biggest sale in their history.
While Newcastle full-back Tino Livramento is also on Pep Guardiola’s radar.
