Reigan Heskey of Manchester City poses for a photo with the FA Youth Cup trophy after the team's victory in the FA Youth Cup Final match between Manchester City and Manchester United
Reigan Heskey has left Manchester City to join German side FC Koln on a permanent deal
View Image
Manchester City have sold youngster Reigan Heskey to FC Koln with the Bundesliga signing their second Blues prospect of the summer.
The German outfit completed a deal for Jahmai Simpson-Pusey last month, turning his loan move into a permanent switch. City banked an initial €5.5million (£4.7million) from that deal while add-ons could take the final total to €7.5m (£6.4m). The Blues also inserted a buy-back clause and matching rights into the transfer.
And now Heskey, who scored the winner in last season's FA Youth Cup final victory over Manchester United, has followed his fellow academy graduate to Germany with Koln, who finished 14th in the Bundesliga last season, paying an initial €2.5m (£2.1m) with the deal potentially rising to €8m (£6.8m). Again, City have a buy-back clause and matching rights.
Heskey feels the move will offer him the chance to showcase his ability in the first team of a side in a top five European league while Koln are confident there is more to come from the 18-year-old, who made his first-team debut for City against Huddersfield in the Carabao Cup last season.
"Reigan has developed incredibly well in the past few years with Manchester City and is one of the most exciting attacking talents in his age group. His development is not over by a long stretch," said Koln Managing Director Thomas Kessler.
"We see a lot of potential in him, and we are convinced that he can make the step up to the next level at FC. In René [Wagner], we also have exactly the right coach to guide him along this path, thanks to his motivational approach and his excellent rapport with young players.
"Reigan has a lot of qualities: he’s physically strong with a real eye for goal. He has a lot of pace, and is able to play in several positions."
Heskey added: "I was really keen to join 1. FC Köln to take the next step in my career. My discussions with those in charge have shown me that my style of play is a very good fit for the club. I’m looking forward to the challenge of playing in the Bundesliga and want to make the most of this opportunity to prove myself here. I’m ready."