The 21-year-old midfielder made a significant move to Nottingham Forest in the summer transfer window, completing a £30 million switch after facing challenges in securing a spot in the starting XI under the managerial tenure of Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.
Despite showcasing his talent in his Premier League debut last season, where he scored in a notable 5-2 victory over Crystal Palace, the young midfielder expressed his desire for a fresh start to further develop and progress as a player. His decision to leave the Etihad Stadium was fueled by the need for regular playing time, a factor that he believed was essential for his growth and improvement on the pitch.
Having also captained the under-21 squad to success in the European championship during the same summer, the talented Englishman had been contemplating his departure from Manchester City even before the commencement of the tournament. In an interview with FourFourTwo, he emphasized his eagerness to secure consistent game time, a pursuit that had eluded him for the past three years. He acknowledged the competitive nature of earning a spot in a top-tier team and expressed his readiness to work hard and prove his abilities to cement his place in the newly acquired forest.
The summer witnessed significant changes at Manchester City, including the appointment of Hugo Viana as the new director of football, as well as the departure of key players such as Kevin De Bruyne, Kyle Walker, Ederson, and Ilkay Gundogan. This shakeup further solidified the midfielder’s decision to seek a move away in pursuit of regular first-team opportunities.
Looking ahead, the talented playmaker expressed excitement at the prospect of facing his former Manchester City teammates when Nottingham Forest takes on the Premier League giants. However, he maintained his focus on impressing and making his mark at his new club Forest, emphasizing his dedication to performing at his best and contributing positively to the team.
The sale of academy talents has been a recurring trend at Manchester City, with notable graduates such as Morgan Rodgers, Liam Delap, and Michael Olise making moves to other clubs. In a significant transfer, Cole Palmer was recently sold to Chelsea for a considerable fee of £40 million, highlighting City’s willingness to allow promising talents to seek opportunities elsewhere for their development and advancement in their careers.
