Matty Warhurst’s exit plan: five clubs chase City’s 61-goal striker

Manchester City’s 19-year-old centre-forward Matty Warhurst is set to leave the Etihad Stadium this summer after scoring 61 goals in 97 games for the club’s academy. Five clubs from the Championship to League Two have already lodged inquiries for the teenager, according to reports.

Warhurst’s representatives have begun talks with interested clubs as he seeks senior football, with Stockport County, Swindon Town, Cambridge United, Northampton Town and Burton Albion all named among suitors. The striker, in the final year of his contract, is aiming to accelerate his development beyond the City Football Academy’s youth ranks.

Manchester City’s sporting director Hugo Viana is expected to include a sell-on clause in any transfer agreement, reflecting the club’s valuation of Warhurst while acknowledging the increasing competition for central striker positions. The move follows the club’s recent £116 million acquisition of Elliot Anderson and the integration of versatile forwards under new manager Enzo Maresca.

Warhurst’s exit would a pattern seen in City’s academy exits, where affordable upfront fees are balanced with significant future sell-on percentages to protect long-term financial interests. The club’s hierarchy plans to finalise negotiations before the first pre-season returns on July 20.

MailSport’s Simon Jones Warhurst’s representatives have already engaged with multiple clubs to secure a pathway to first-team football. The 19-year-old’s contract situation adds urgency to the process, with an agreement likely to be reached in the coming weeks.