Manchester City goalkeeper quits with Belgian clubs eying free transfer

Mikki van Sas has turned down the opportunity to sign a new contract with Manchester City, choosing to leave the City Football Academy.

The 19-year-old has been with the Manchester City academy for three years, having joined the club as a scholar after enjoying success with home-town club FC Utrecht in 2020.

Van Sas, who has never made a first-team appearance during his time at the Etihad Stadium, helped the Manchester City EDS to successive Premier League 2 titles, making 15 appearances in the PL2 last season.

The teenager was also involved in the Manchester City Under-18 title-winning campaign during his debut season at the club.

Van Sas kept seven clean sheets last season and as well as featuring in the PL2, the Dutchman made appearances in both the EFL Trophy and UEFA Youth League.

Despite having represented Manchester City at both Under-18 and Under-23 level, Dutch outlet Voetbal International report that the teenager has chosen to leave the City Football Academy, rejecting the opportunity to sign a new contract.

The teenager is now considered a free agent and is subject to transfer interest from a number of clubs, including two Belgian Pro League teams.

Football Oranje relay a report from Voetbal International, which claims that both Club Brugge and Anderlecht are considering signing the Dutch goalkeeper, following his departure from Manchester City.

Van Sas is the second academy goalkeeper to leave the Sky Blues this summer, after the exit of James Trafford, who completed a £19 million transfer to newly-promoted Burnley.

The Manchester City EDS have made a worrying start to their latest PL2 title bid however, with Brian Barry-Murphy’s side winless and currently sat in 24th position.

The 19-year-old has been absent from the Manchester City EDS squad for their opening three fixtures, as True Grant and George Murray-Jones featured between the sticks during the opening weeks of the campaign.