Manchester City signed another young defender in the January transfer window after 18-year-old left-back Christian McFarlane joined Monday from sister club New York City FC.
McFarlane has been with New York City since the age of 11 and played for the team at every age group, eventually making his first-team debut last year.
Born in England, he has represented the country’s Under-16 and Under-17 teams and was part of the England squad for the European Under-17 Championship last year.
McFarlane said in a statement from New York City that it was a “dream come true” to join Man City, having previously visited the Premier League champions’ facilities and met the players.
“I know this move will be pivotal for my development,” McFarlane said, “and I’m ready to embrace the challenge and make the most of this opportunity.”
Man City is the flagship team in the Abu Dhabi-controlled City Football Group that owns clubs around the world, including New York City. No fee was disclosed by NYCFC, while Man City hasn’t confirmed the transfer yet.
City have already signed two center-backs this month: 19-year-old Vitor Reis from Palmeiras and 20-year-old Abdukodir Khusanov from Lens. Omar Marmousha forward from Egypt, then joined from Eintracht Frankfurt to take City’s spending to about $150 million this month, before McFarlane’s arrival.
Khusanov and Marmoush made their debuts in the 3-1 win over Chelsea in the Premier League on Saturday. Khusanov struggled, making a mistake that led to a goal and getting a yellow card in the opening four minutes.
New York City said it will receive a percentage of any fee if McFarlane moves to another club in the future.
“We are incredibly proud to see Christian reach this incredible milestone in his career,” NYCFC sporting director David Lee said. “For Christian now to have the opportunity to continue his journey at Manchester City, a club at the pinnacle of world football, is a testament to his hard work, talent, and dedication.
“I can’t wait to follow his career and see how well he’s going to do in Manchester knowing that he’ll give everything he can to reach the highest level he possibly can in football.”
Information from Reuters and The Associated Press was used in this story.
