New Head of Academy Scouting and Recruitment appointed by Manchester City | OneFootball

Manchester City have named Carl Walker as the club’s new Head of Academy Scouting and Recruitment ahead of the upcoming 2026/27 campaign.

The appointment showcases the English giant’s ongoing efforts to further strengthen their youth setup, nurturing and developing top talents, while adding to the reputation of their academy to produce prodigies.

Walker announced his new role at Manchester City on LinkedIn, later confirmed by journalist Fabrizio Romano, who also mentioned that Academy Director Thomas Krucken and Director of Academy Recruitment Sam Fagbemi will continue to “support with acquisition and pathways for academy talents.”

Who is Manchester City’s Carl Walker?

While his appointment as the Head of Academy Scouting and Recruitment is new, Carl Walker is no stranger to Manchester City, having spent over six years working within the City Football Group.

His tenure with Manchester City first started in January 2020 as the Southern Scout Lead, during which he identified talented prospects in the southern regions of the country. Having since held several positions in similar roles, the most recent has been as City’s UK Youth Scouting and Recruitment Lead.

Prior to joining Manchester City, Walker spent six years studying at Havering College in 2008 and earned a BTEC in sport and fitness, after which he pursued his FA qualification in talent identification, leadership, and management.

Walker has also been a Community Coach at Leyton Orient and later held positions at Brentford and West Ham United.

Walker says his “hunger” to achieve more remains the same

In his LinkedIn post, Carl Walker announced his new appointment at Manchester City and expressed gratitude for the opportunities, support, as well as the hardships that came along the way.

“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities that have brought me to this point, and for the challenges, lessons, and support along the way,” he wrote.

Walker also mentioned that his aspirations to do and achieve more for the club continue with his new role.

“The hunger and ambition to achieve more remains the same,” he concluded.

Walker will now lead and oversee scouting and recruitment for their academy, ensuring that up-and-coming young talent come forward. Through early recognition of talent in the academy squad, City will be able to create direct pathways for these homegrown prospects to join the club’s first team.

Walker’s appointment also highlights Manchester City’s focus on investing in youth infrastructure, and a continuously effective scouting network would further increase the club’s ability to rely on their academy for first-team prospects.