Ryan McAidoo spent three seasons with the U’s youth set-up between 2016 and 2019 before progressing to Chelsea’s academy.
The talented 17-year-old winger left Chelsea to join Manchester City’s academy in the summer of 2024 and is now enjoying time with their first-team squad, under Guardiola.
Ryan Mcaidoo with a brilliant goal against Monaco.
pic.twitter.com/RZl8H7T1o0
— TheSecretScout (@TheSecretScout_) October 2, 2025
McAidoo, who was in the same age group as current Colchester player Ronnie Harvey during his time in the academy at Florence Park, was on the bench for City’s last Premier League home game against Burnley, alongside the likes of John Stones, Bernardo Silva and Nathan Ake.
He also trained with City’s first team earlier this season when Phil Foden and Rayan Cherki were sidelined having featured for both of the Premier League club’s under-21 and under-18 teams and signed his first professional contract in the summer.
McAidoo, who City describe as ‘a player with explosive speed and versatile - meaning he can operate across the front line’, scored a fantastic solo goal for the club in their 5-3 win over AS Monaco in the UEFA Youth League last week.
Ryan McAidoo, one of City’s top prospects, has had an outstanding start to the season! 🩵
U21 Premier League:
• 1G / 1A vs West Ham U21 ⚽️🅰️
• 1G vs Chelsea U21 ⚽️
His time will come!⏳✨ https://t.co/ZHpwfanT6r pic.twitter.com/8qnseXjRav
— 𝙁𝙪𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚 𝘽𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙧𝙨 ❄️ (@FBallerscout) August 23, 2025
McAidoo, who says he is influenced by City winger Jeremy Doku, is currently with the England under-18 squad for their double header against France at St. George’s Park and has also represented England under-17s.
Colchester academy manager James McFarlane told the Colchester United matchday programme: “This shows the talent that has been through our academy and we can be proud that there is a pathway to the EFL but also the highest levels of the game.
“We wish Ryan all the success at the start of a promising career.”