Manchester City have just made a statement of intent towards their Premier League rivals that suggests they’re not going anywhere.
Manchester City didn’t have a particularly great season last time out, and they haven’t begun this campaign well either.
As is often the case, rival fans are quick to jump on any misfortunes that may befall England’s most successful club over the past decade.
However, City have just done something that shows they are still a huge draw for the best talents in the country.
READ MORE: Man City have effectively created £138m out of nothing and they’re only just getting started
Freddie Lawrie in action for England U16s.
Photo by Angel Martinez – The FA/The FA via Getty Images
Manchester City sign two of England’s best young players from their Premier League rivals
Fabrizio Romano reported on Friday that City have finalised the signings of two of England’s best young footballers.
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Dexter Oliver and Freddie Lawrie are joining City’s academy from Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa respectively.
In addition, City are still believed to be in talks over Kaylum Moss, who plays for Liverpool’s academy.
Predictably, some neutral fans commenting underneath Romano’s post spoke of City ‘hoarding’ all the talent.
🚨🔵 Manchester City are have finalised the signings of Dexter Oliver and Freddie Lawrie from Tottenham and Aston Villa.
Two more signings for #MCFC Academy. pic.twitter.com/3iXkm4ZbfX
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 5, 2025
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Others were a tad more complimentary, praising City for having snapped up two more great talents from Premier League rivals.
Nonetheless, the point is the same; City have got people talking because of a big win – at the expense of two Premier League rivals – in the academy market.
Oliver and Lawrie are set to go into City’s U18 squad, but if they continue on their current trajectory, they could be playing for the U21s sooner rather than later.
And should everything go to plan, they could well be in the first-team picture in a few years’ time.
At best, they could become established first-teamers, or alternatively, they could be sold for millions.
More and more clubs are paying attention to their academy and the pathway to the first team, and City are certainly ahead of the curve.
READ MORE: Danny Simpson says player Manchester City sold for £5m is one of the best of his generation
How Manchester City’s Under-18s have started the season
Man City’s U18s have begun the 2025/26 season very well indeed, winning all three of their U18 Premier League games to go top of the table.
In addition, the Citizens have drawn 3-3 with Crystal Palace in their opening U18 Premier League Cup game.
And to highlight how high standards are in the academy, Man City U18s boss Oliver Reiss lambasted his charges for conceding three in their 7-3 win over Blackburn last time out.
City won the Under-18 Premier League North title for a fourth time in five seasons last time out, and this season they’ll want the national title too.