Manchester City sanction loan deal for “really talented” midfielder once wanted by Barcelona

Wycombe Wanderers and Manchester City have confirmed a loan deal for highly-rated midfield talent Kian Breckin.

The 19-year-old progressed through Manchester City’s Academy age-groups having first joined the club back in 2015, and recently becoming a mainstay in the Elite Development Squad throughout the course of the 2022/23 season.

Kian Breckin is viewed by Manchester City as being a player that is comfortable in receiving the ball in tight areas, taking up the attacking midfield role in both the 2020/21 and 2021/22 under-18 Premier League title-winning seasons.

Despite widespread interest in a permanent deal in recent weeks, Manchester City have now sanctioned a temporary deal for Breckin into the Football League, as they hope to see significant development from the player in the senior game.

What are the terms of Kian Breckin’s Wycombe Wanderers deal?

Kian Breckin has joined the Adams Park side on a season-long loan for the 2023/24 campaign, subject to English Football League and Football Association approval.

Who else was interested in Kian Breckin?

A long list of clubs have been linked with interest in Kian Breckin throughout the course of 2023 alone, with the first being Southampton – who have built a strong negotiating relationship with the Premier League champions.

The south coast side are claimed to have wanted Breckin on a loan deal, while his availability had also reportedly alerted Blackburn Rovers to the player at some stage this summer.

Alongside the Championship club, Premier League giants Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal, and Tottenham have all reportedly watched Breckin in action with a view towards making a move for the player. However, it was claimed that only a ‘sizeable’ bid would entice City to sell.

Most recently, Kian Breckin had been described as an ’emerging target’ for recently relegated Leeds United, with possible competition from Newcastle United.

Perhaps in the most glowing report on the player’s talent and potential, as a 15-year-old Kian Breckin was linked with a move to FC Barcelona, who reportedly showed an interest after his impressive performances back in 2019 caught the eye of club scouts.

How have Wycombe Wanderers described their new signing?

An official statement from the League One club read, “Matt Bloomfield has won the race to capture highly sought-after Manchester City midfielder Kian Breckin, who arrives at Adams Park on a season-long loan, subject to EFL and FA approval.

“The 19-year-old was the subject of interest from a number of clubs across the country but has opted for a switch to South Bucks, where he’ll wear the number 8 shirt for the 2023/24 campaign.

“The son of former Rotherham, Nottingham Forest and Chesterfield defender Ian, Kian scored eight times in 24 appearances as City clinched the Premier League 2 title last season, having joined the club at the age of 11.

“He becomes the club’s second new signing of the summer, following the arrival of defender Richard Keogh last week.”

Wycombe Wanderers manager Matt Bloomfield also offered his take on the signing, as he explained, “Kian has been on our radar for a long time and we’re thrilled that we’ve been able to bring him here. Scott Mitchell, our new Head of Recruitment, has done a brilliant job in getting the deal over the line after weeks and weeks of hard work.

“There were a lot of clubs in for him but we know that the environment we’ve got here – in terms of the way we are going to play and the culture of looking after and developing players on and off the pitch – makes this an attractive place for players to come.

“He’s a really talented young lad with a big future in the game, and I know he’ll benefit from playing first-team football to add to the fantastic upbringing he’s already had in Manchester City’s youth setup.

“We’re really grateful to City for making this move happen and entrusting us with one of their young talents, and look forward to seeing him blossom over the coming weeks and months.”

What have Manchester City said about the deal?

Manchester City offered a short message to the teenage talent on social media, in a response tweet to Wycombe Wanderers’ official announcement, “Best of luck for the season ahead, Kian!”

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Everyone at City Xtra would like to wish Kian all the very best for the forthcoming season!

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