Manchester City executives ‘openly discuss’ ambitious plans to build future of squad around local talent | OneFootball

The future of Manchester City’s senior first-team squad has a focus around locally sourced talent, in the eyes of club executives.

The Etihad Stadium outfit has long prided itself on balancing world-class recruitment with a steady stream of academy talent, and the topic of local representation has become an increasingly significant part of long-term conversations within the boardroom.

With the likes of Phil Foden already established as a homegrown star, there is growing appetite at the top level of City Football Group to see more Mancunians follow in his footsteps.

Recent years have highlighted the club’s commitment to nurturing talent from within the city and its surrounding regions. James McAtee and Cole Palmer, though now departed on permanent deals, are two notable examples of local players who came through the ranks before carving out top-level careers.

Meanwhile, youngsters such as Nico O’Reilly remain highly rated, with the stance maintained that his future lies at the Etihad Stadium despite speculation linking him with a move away earlier this summer, and a new long-term contract on the horizon.

This philosophy ties neatly into Manchester City’s wider recruitment strategy, which in recent seasons has blended major global signings with carefully chosen academy promotions. The arrival of Tijjani Reijnders in midfield, for example, illustrates the ambition to refresh the squad with proven European talent, while at the same time, the club ensures local stars are supported and guided into senior roles where possible.

According to the information of MailSport’s Jack Gaughan, as part of a wider report, Manchester City’s executive team have openly discussed the ‘utopia’ of possessing a core of Mancunians in their first-team squad.

While this vision remains a long-term project, its potential impact is significant. A squad built around locally developed players would not only strengthen the club’s connection with the fanbase but also help safeguard sustainability amid rising transfer market inflation.

The dream scenario would see players like O’Reilly and other emerging talents such as Divine Mukasa grow into senior fixtures alongside established names like Foden. Looking ahead, much depends on the pathways provided by Pep Guardiola and his coaching staff.

With a congested season and competition on multiple fronts, opportunities for academy graduates to gain meaningful minutes could be more plentiful than in previous years. Additionally, should City continue to offload fringe squad members such as Kalvin Phillips, room could open up for more homegrown integration.

Ultimately, while the acquisition of world-class names will remain essential, the idea of a Mancunian core represents a powerful narrative for Manchester City’s future. If executed successfully, it could not only redefine the identity of the team but also set a precedent across European football for balancing global ambition with local pride.