Manchester City hold internal discussions to battle Liverpool for Leicester City prodigy | OneFootball

Manchester City are monitoring Leicester City academy starlet Darren Motsi alongside domestic rivals Liverpool for a possible signing this summer, as per reports.

Both Premier League teams will be under new leadership in the upcoming campaign, following Pep Guardiola’s departure from the Etihad Stadium and Arne Slot’s dismissal from Liverpool after his second managerial season at Anfield.

While former Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola was recently appointed by the Reds as their new head coach on a two-year contract, Enzo Maresca has been heavily speculated to be the Catalan coach’s successor at Manchester City, with an official announcement pending.

Now, both clubs have been heavily linked to make a potential move for 15-year-old Motsi, with the opening of the summer transfer window just a few days away.

Who is Darren Motsi?

Motsi has turned heads with his performances for Leicester City’s youth teams, featuring in 19 matches across competitions in the recent campaign.

The attacking midfielder netted three goals and provided two assists in 11 appearances he made in the 2025-26 Premier League 2 season.

He became the youngest player to ever score back-to-back Premier League 2 goals. The impressive development of the teenager has also earned him the opportunity to train with the first-team on several occasions.

The English youngster, who has already received the call-up to the U16 Three Lions camp, has been immensely praised for his speed, technical maturity and a football intelligence beyond his years, alongside an intrinsic physical ability to shield the ball under pressure.

While Motsi’s progress has been deemed remarkable, Leicester City had a tough time this season, ranking 23rd in the EFL Championship and being relegated to the EFL League One for the upcoming campaign.

Following the Foxes’ relegation to the third tier of English football, several reports suggested that Motsi plans on moving on from the King Power Stadium this summer – as he is keen on making it to a first-team squad soon and would prefer to play in the top flight.

Report: Man City hold ‘internal discussions’ over Darren Motsi

Manchester City have had ‘internal discussions’ to determine if they plan on pursuing Motsi, who has caught the eye of ‘numerous clubs’ or to focus on other targets, according to The Secret Scout on X.

The Blues are known for recognising, signing and developing talented youngsters as long-term investments for their squad.

While confirmation awaits on the Blues’ concrete plans of entering the race for the midfielder, it seems unlikely that they would want to miss out on the opportunity of signing Motsi.

City are anticipated to make some notable additions to bolster their midfield ahead of the upcoming campaign, especially after the recent departure of Bernardo Silva and amid reported uncertainty over Rodri’s future at the Etihad Stadium.

Liverpool, meanwhile, are keen on acquiring Motsi’s signature after having made some smart signings for their youth team in recent years, with the aim of strengthening their senior side for the future. Previously, the Reds had signed Trey Nyoni from Leicester City’s youth academy in September 2023.

The midfielder, then, made his first-team debut for the Merseyside club by coming off the bench in an FA Cup match against Southampton in February 2024, becoming the youngest player ever to feature in the knockout competition for his club, aged 16 years 243 days.

The 18-year-old has made 20 appearances for Liverpool’s first team so far while registering one assist. Leicester City’s relegation to League One could lead to the departure of a few of their up-and-coming prospects, including Motsi, this summer – however, the Foxes will be due compensation.