Manchester City are on the brink of finalizing the acquisition of promising left-back talent Christian McFarlane, aiming to integrate him into both the City Football Academy and their first-team squad, according to reports.
City officials, in collaboration with their counterparts at New York City FC, have been tracking McFarlane’s progress for several years, observing his development both in the USA and England.
McFarlane, who represents England at the U17 level, is considered one of the top left-back prospects in the league.
He has made 32 appearances with NYCFC II, the club’s MLS NEXT Pro affiliate, and has featured five times for the NYCFC first team this season.
Manchester City had previously shown interest in McFarlane when he was just 15, inviting him to their City Football Academy for discussions about a potential move in 2024.
This came after he had turned down offers from Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund.
McFarlane joined NYCFC in 2018 and signed his first professional contract with them at the age of 14 years and seven months, making him the third-youngest player to secure an MLS contract.
He made his professional debut for NYCFC II as a half-time substitute in a 2–1 victory over Inter Miami CF II in May 2022.
Now, according to transfer market expert Fabrizio Romano, Manchester City are nearing an agreement to sign McFarlane.
The 17-year-old defender has already turned down offers from Brighton & Hove Albion and several unnamed German clubs in favor of joining City’s project.
The details of the deal are yet to be finalized, with the specifics of whether McFarlane will move immediately or remain with NYCFC for the time being still to be determined.
