Man City bagged the biggest prize with Pep’s star now worth £38m

Manchester City the academy has produced some fantastic players in recent times. This is not just the case with players currently plying their trade at the Etihad Stadium, with several players who have come through the Citizens academy plying their trade at other Premier League clubs.

In fact, a big reason for this success in their youth set-up is due to the club’s investment, and they have shown a great commitment to producing talented local players.

The academy, which celebrated its tenth anniversary at the start of the month, it has managed to earn £300m from player sales. The investment is paying off in many ways and has produced some fantastic players.

Some of the best products from City Academy

Phil Foden is one of the first players that comes to mind when we think of City’s academy. The 24-year-old attacker has been a mainstay in the Ciutadans squad for several years.

Although this season after that he has struggled failing to score a Premier League goalthe Stockport-born star has a fantastic record for his boyhood club, with 90 goals and 55 assists. in 288 games for the club

When it comes to City academy graduates thriving away from the club, Cole Palmer is perhaps the best example. His record at Chelsea since leaving the club is astonishing, with 36 goals and 21 assists. in 63 games.

Jamie Carragher recently said “There is no better player in the Premier League” than the Wythenshawe-born star.

Looking further than the Premier League, Brahim Diaz is a good example of someone who has excelled outside of England. he played 15 times for City and since then he has played 124 games with AC Milan and 85 with Real Madrid, his current club.

These are just a few examples of City academy graduates performing well for City’s first team, at other Premier League clubs or elsewhere in Europe. Another example of a rapid rise to the top by a City academy graduate is Rico Lewis, who has become crucial to Pep Guardiola and has seen a sharp rise in value.

Rico Lewis market value in 2024

Guardiola is known as something of a drag, and when he brought Lewis on for the first time in 2022/23, the treble-winning season, it was a bold call. However, the talent he saw in the youngster was clear when he got that chance in the first team.

The 20-year-old has played 73 times for the club so far, scoring four goals and picking up eight assists. He has shown incredible versatility during his short career.

City’s number 82, which Guardiola described as “one of the best I have (trained) by far“- has played in a variety of different positions, including full-back and midfield roles.

It’s been a horrible season for the blue team of Manchester. they have it won one game in their last elevenbeating Nottingham Forest 3-0 as their only win. That said, Lewis has been one of their best performers. he has he played 23 games in all competitions, in defense and midfield.

He has also been on the scoresheet this term, along with four assists in all competitions. His only goal this season was against Crystal Palace, in a game where he was also sent off for two yellow cards.

Given his importance to the City team over the years, it’s no surprise that Lewis’ value has risen so much. He is now worth approximately £38 million according to Football Transfers. This is an incredible increase given that it was an investment by the academy that cost them nothing.

Described football statistician Statman Dave the England international as a “serious talent”. Given his exceptional rise to the top, it’s not hard to see why. He is already a crucial player for Ciutadans, and his increased value reflects his importance to Guardiola.

Once again, he is a fine example of an academy player proving to be a fantastic option for City and one of the best talents they have at the club.

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