From Fabrizio Romano: Manchester City secure first signing of January 2025 transfer window

Manchester City have secured their first recruit of the upcoming January transfer window, according to market insider Fabrizio Romano.

The Premier League champions first became linked with the player in question back in 2022, when it was reported that Etihad Stadium officials were ready to sign New York City FC’s then-15-year-old left-back talent, Christian McFarlane.

In late December of the same year, it was revealed that City had invited McFarlane to their training facility and discussed a possible move to the club in 2024, following reports of Bundesliga duo Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund having both been rejected.

Having moved to within a matter of formalities over the signing of the player early in the summer, it appears as though a deal is finally ready to be completed and Manchester City are ready to welcome one of the game’s finest young defenders into their system.

According to the information of transfer market insider Fabrizio Romano, Premier League champions Manchester City will sign now-17-year-old New York City FC left-back, Christian McFarlane in January 2025.

The defender was born in England but moved to New York at three years old, since going on to represent the USA men’s national team and England at youth level, keeping his options open before committing to any one country, whilst also having the option of playing for Jamaica.

It also remains to be seen where Manchester City will look to develop McFarlane further within their system, with the player originally known as a winger, but tested in a number of different positions upon joining New York City FC.

Having trained into a number of left-sided roles, in addition to the centre-back position, NYCFC ultimately settled on full-back, with McFarlane known to be dynamic, quick, and strong in one-on-one situations.