New Cobblers striker Matty Warhurst says he is ‘a bit of a hybrid’, while his former club describe him as a 'traditional number nine’.
The teenage striker scored goals for fun in Manchester City’s academy but he nows makes the step into senior football after agreeing a three-year deal with Northampton, who fended off strong competition for his signature.
It’s been reported that the figure paid by Cobblers, described as ‘undisclosed’ by the two clubs, could reach up to £100k depending on his success a Sixfields, and City have also inserted a high sell-on clause should he leave Cobblers for a fee in the future.
So, what type of player are Cobblers getting?
Matty Warhurst of Manchester City celebrates scoring his team's fourth goal during the FA Youth Cup Final match between Manchester City and Leeds United at Etihad Stadium on May 10, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)placeholder image
Matty Warhurst of Manchester City celebrates scoring his team's fourth goal during the FA Youth Cup Final match between Manchester City and Leeds United at Etihad Stadium on May 10, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
How he describes himself
"I think I'm a bit of a hybrid. I like to run in behind and I have a lot of energy to press high and I can hold the ball up well and win headers. I like to keep my game simple and just do the basics really well.
"I do score goals, that's obviously a big part of my game as a striker, but I don't think too much about it – goals will come if you do the right things and play for the team and find the right areas.
“It's a really exciting time. I came down on Sunday evening and I felt excited and I just want to get settled, help the team and get on the pitch. I want to train and be involved as soon as I can, whether that's on Wednesday (against Southend) or at the weekend. The first game of the season is not long away and I think that's on everyone's mind.”
Warhurst’s bio on Man City’s website
“Goal scoring, traditional number nine. Matty is often the focal point of the attack, causing trouble for the opposition by holding the ball up or getting in behind the defence. When needed, he can also be called upon to play on the wing with his pace and clinical crossing also proving difficult to defend for the opposition.
“Warhurst is a cool and calm finisher who provided 24 goals and two assists in 30 appearances in his debut season with the Under-18s in 2023/24. One of the most capped players in 2024/25, Warhurst had another fantastic season with the Under-18s.
“In 40 appearances in all competitions, the number nine scored 26 goals and assisted five. One of his 15 league goals was the decisive strike against Derby County, which saw City crowned Under-18 Premier League North champions. Warhurst stepped up to the EDS for 2025/26 season and in his 27 appearances, the forward found the back of the net 11 times.”
Premier League 2 Player of the Month nomination
Back in February, Warhurst was nominated for the Premier League 2 Player of the Month award, alongside Manchester City team-mate Kian Noble.
“The striker played every minute of our wins over Leeds and Wolves before missing out on the matchday squad against Forest,” wrote City on their website. “And the 19-year-old was at the heart of all the action. He scored a brace in our 3-0 win over the Whites, before scoring two and assisting two in our 6-0 thrashing of Wolves. The four goals and two assists in February take Warhurst’s tally of PL2 goal involvements to 11 in as many games.”