Brighton and FC Köln in talks to sign Man City forward – Interest could have stemmed from ‘shop window’ game | OneFootball

Brighton and Hove Albion and FC Köln have entered talks to sign Manchester City academy attacker Reigan Heskey, according to new reports. 

The 18-year-old forward has been part of City’s academy since the age of eight after living in Australia during his early life while his father Emile played for Newcastle Jets. 

Heskey appeared for City’s U19s side at the age of 15 against Young Boys U19s in the UEFA Youth League alongside his brother Jaden – and scored in that 3-0 win in November 2023. 

As a result of his exponential growth, Heskey was welcomed into the Elite Development Squad for the 2024-25 season and at the age of 16, he scored a 22 minute hat-trick on his Premier League 2 debut. 

Heskey’s involvement in England’s youth competitions has additionally grabbed European clubs’ attention, having featured at the U17 and U18 levels. The forward played in the 2025 FIFA U17 World Cup and made his debut for the U18s against France in October last year. 

More first-team experience or compete with the best? Heskey has a big choice to make

It’s needless to say that Heskey’s rise through the academy, particularly at a club with the stature of City, would have attracted suitors one way or another. Clubs from across Europe are now in the race to sign the coveted City striker.

According to TheSecretScout on X, Brighton and Hove Albion and Bundesliga outfit FC Köln are in talks with the 18-year-old’s representatives after his contract ended this summer. It is understood that negotiations for a contract renewal remain an important part of the process.

It is unknown whether or not Heskey will want a move elsewhere. Meanwhile, he is more likely to gain first-team experience away from the Etihad Stadium, where, in the senior squad, he will have to compete with the likes of Erling Haaland, Jeremy Doku and Rayan Cherki in the years to come. 

Heskey was likely present for the ‘shop window’ game that approximately 25 players took part in on Tuesday, with several clubs from Europe and the EFL Championship spectating and the interest from these clubs could have stemmed from that game.

England star Anderson and record-breaking Monga in, but Heskey could be another of Enzo Maresca’s outgoings

The news of Brighton and Köln’s interest comes at a time when Enzo Maresca is personalising his squad after succeeding Pep Guardiola, the legendary former manager of 10 years, who will have a statue built in his honour, and the North Stand renamed after him. 

Maresca, who won the FIFA Club World Cup with Chelsea in 2025, has already helped persuade Elliot Anderson and Jeremy Monga to join his troupe, with more signings likely on the way. 

As for departures, John Stones, Bernardo Silva and Nathan Ake have all officially left the club following the expiration of their contracts – with more outgoings, including Heskey, expected. 

Heskey will want to join the likes of Phil Foden, Cole Palmer, Nico O’Reilly and Morgan Rogers in carrying their academy success over into the more physical and demanding side of professional football, and if his journey thus far is anything to go by, he has nothing to worry about.