Ben Knight, pictured during his spell at Ipswich Town. _(Image: Ross Halls)_
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Former Ipswich Town academy talent Ben Knight has joined his hometown club Cambridge United on a one-year deal.
The now 22-year-old forward was a free agent after leaving Real Murcia in February, having featured just four times off the bench in the league for the Spanish third-tier.
Knight had joined them from Manchester City in August last year, but moved back to England late last season and spent time on trial at Cambridge before signing.
Ben Knight made one senior appearance for Manchester City. _(Image: PA)_
He made big waves at the Blues as a youngster, joining the club at the age of seven, with Town veteran academy coach Bryan Klug once intimating he was the ‘potentially the best young player I’ve worked with’ and Kieron Dyer comparing his style to Lionel Messi.
That caught the eye of City, who signed the then 16-year-old for a fee believed to be £1m in 2018. While he initially impressed, he only ever made one senior appearance - in the 2021 Community Shield at Wembley, while having spells on loan at Crewe and Stockport.
Knight, who is from Reach in Cambridgeshire, now links-up with with Neil Harris' side, who were relegated to the League Two last campaign.
> > We are pleased to announce the signing of Ben Knight on a one-year deal. ✍️
> >
> > — Cambridge United FC (@CambridgeUtdFC) [June 2, 2025](https://twitter.com/CambridgeUtdFC/status/1929630348150784115?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
On signing for the fourth tier side, he said: “I am really happy. Although it’s been a difficult period recently for me, I can’t say enough about how well the club have looked after me and I am determined to repay them now with my performances on the pitch.
“It is close to home and I have needed to enjoy my football again - I can’t wait to get started.”