Divine Mukasa Travels With Manchester City First Team Amid Interest From Ajax And Bayern

Manchester City have shown a lot of trust in midfielder Divine Mukasa as the club have included the teenager in the squad for today’s friendly versus Palermo despite interest from top clubs including Ajax and Bayern Munich.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Mukasa, who joined Manchester City from West Ham in 2023, has travelled to Italy with the first team squad ahead of their Anglo Palermitan Trophy clash against Palermo. This is his first involvement with the senior squad for an official trip, indicating City’s faith in his development and future. Mukasa, who attracted attention from clubs like Ajax and Bayern after a stellar campaign last season where he scored 17 goals and provided 25 assists in the Under-18 Premier League, was eventually retained by City.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Manchester City have a rich history of providing a proper pathway from the academy to the first team with stars like Phil Foden, Rico Lewis, and Oscar Bobb making the senior team directly from the City Football Academy. Mukasa’s technical skills and creativity make him one of the most exciting youngsters at the club. He played a pivotal role in City U18s last season as the team stayed competitive at the top of the youth league. The senior team finished last season just two points behind Arsenal, as the club now aims to reclaim the Premier League title after finishing third last season during a challenging campaign. Mukasa’s possible breakthrough in the senior squad comes at a crucial time as the club aims to rejuvenate their side with homegrown talent and regain their dominance both in the Premier League and Europe.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR MANCHESTER CITY AND MUKASA?

Man City will face Palermo later today in the Anglo Palermitan Trophy where both sides will look to flex their muscles before the new season. While Palermo finished seventh in Serie B last year and will hope to impress against the giants of English football, City are one of the main contenders to win the Premier League title next season. The next few weeks will determine whether Mukasa manages to break into regular first-team action or remains with the academy, but his inclusion in the squad makes it clear that he is a part of City manager Pep Guardiola’s plans for the future.