Following Finley Burns’ loan move to Reading for the 2025/26 campaign, Manchester City are expected to facilitate similar temporary exits for several of their other young talents.
Burns, a centre-back, spent time at Hull City last season and will now gain further senior experience in League One. His switch reflects City’s wider academy strategy, prioritising competitive minutes for developing prospects not yet in Pep Guardiola’s first-team plans.
1. Jadel Katongo
Katongo enjoyed a breakout spell at Peterborough in 2023/24, leading to high praise from club officials. However, injuries disrupted his follow-up season. A new loan could help restore momentum.
2. Mahamadou Susoho
The midfielder also played for Peterborough and overcame a lengthy injury to contribute meaningfully late in the season. Another loan at a higher level would provide a strong development pathway.
3. Tom Galvez
Galvez’s initial loan to LASK (Austria) didn’t yield many minutes, prompting a January move to Cambuur in the Dutch second division. The 20-year-old left-back requires consistent senior football to accelerate his progress.
4. Spike Brits or Oliver Whatmuff
Following the signing of Marcus Bettinelli, one of City’s U21 goalkeepers — likely either Brits or Whatmuff — may go out on loan. With no immediate path to the first team, regular senior action will be essential.
City’s Loan Development Strategy
Loans have become a key part of Manchester City’s youth model, allowing players to gain match experience before either breaking into the senior team or securing permanent moves elsewhere. These players represent the next group expected to benefit from such arrangements.
FAQ
- Are these players in first-team contention?
No, but they are on the club’s long-term radar.
- Will more loans happen this summer?
Yes. Additional academy talents are expected to leave temporarily.
- Why are Brits and Whatmuff included?
With Bettinelli signed, one will be surplus to first-team requirements for now.
Conclusion
City’s approach is clear — strategic loan spells to develop talent. Finley Burns is the first move in that chain this summer, with Katongo, Susoho, Galvez, and one U21 goalkeeper poised to follow.
