Man City shell out half a MILLION pounds for 14-year-old wonderkid from Premier League rivals

The young striker has already starred in Burnley’s academy.

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Manchester City have signed bright prospect William Stanley-JonesCredit: Conor Molloy/ProSports/Shutterstock

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Man City splashed £450,000 for Stanley-JonesCredit: Conor Molloy/ProSports/ShutterstockA  source said: “He’s a big strong boy but also very skilful and calm.”

Stanley-Jones, 14, is expected to join City’s youth ranks after he makes his move to the Etihad.

Man City’s academy has seen a few successful graduates coming through ever since 2016.

A rise of bright stars have burst onto the scene during Pep Guardiola’s reign at the helm.

None of them made a bigger impact than Phil Foden, who has been established as a key player under Guardiola.

Foden, 25, has scored 100 goals and bagged 61 assists in 320 appearances ever since his senior debut with the Citizens in 2016.

The playmaker has also won six Premier League titles, two FA Cup trophies, four Carabao Cup honours and the 2023 Champions League.

And the England international won the PFA Players’ Player of the Year award in 2024.

The likes of Rico Lewis and Oscar Bobb earned a place in Guardiola’s squad as well.

James McAtee, on the other hand, enjoyed a very successful two-year loan stint at Sheffield United before his £30million to Nottingham Forest this past summer.

And Cole Palmer, who looked set to follow in the footsteps of Phil Foden at the Etihad, quickly turned into one of the biggest stars in the Premier League after his £42.5m switch to Chelsea in 2023.

Palmer counts a staggering 43 goals and 29 assists in 98 appearances while he’s also won the Conference League and the Club World Cup.