Manchester City have completed the signing of 15-year-old Sunderland academy prospect Liam Ogunsuyi, with the Black Cats set to receive compensation
Sunderland will receive compensation after highly-rated academy striker Liam Ogunsuyi completed a move to Manchester City.
The transfer was confirmed last week, with Ogunsuyi announcing the switch on social media after leaving the Academy of Light. The Echo understands Sunderland are due compensation for the teenager, who had been regarded as one of the brightest prospects in the club’s youth system.
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Ogunsuyi made history last season when he became Sunderland’s youngest-ever Under-18 player, making his debut at just 13. He had already been playing well above his age group and was named the club’s Academy Player of the Season for 2024-25 after an outstanding campaign at youth level.
The forward is also the younger brother of Sunderland U21 striker Trey Ogunsuyi. There was an immediate reminder of Liam’s ability earlier this week when he lined up against his former club at youth level for Manchester City and scored twice in a 5-1 victory over Sunderland.
His departure is another example of the challenge Sunderland face in retaining their very best academy prospects when some of the biggest clubs in the country come calling. The Black Cats have invested heavily in their academy pathway and have enjoyed considerable success bringing players through to senior football, with Chris Rigg the most obvious recent example.
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Ogunsuyi’s move is nevertheless a significant loss given the reputation he had built at such a young age. Sunderland will at least receive compensation for his development, although the nature of academy transfers means that figure will inevitably be considerably smaller than any potential future senior transfer value. Ogunsuyi will now continue his development inside Manchester City’s academy structure.
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Transfer confirmed: Manchester City sign highly-rated Sunderland youngster in academy deal
Transfer confirmed: Manchester City sign highly-rated Sunderland youngster in academy deal