Watford and Manchester City agree six-month loan deal for centre-back after Max Alleyne recall | OneFootball

Manchester City and Watford have finalised negotiations for the third time in a calendar year following on from their dealings with Max Alleyne.

The working relationship between the two clubs has maintained strength, with both sides showing a willingness to act quickly, and Watford agreeing to Max Alleyne’s early recall to Manchester City earlier this month epitomised that standing.

City officials have long been eager to place their highly-rated young talents into environments that prioritise development, regular minutes, and a clear footballing identity, and their loan strategy has increasingly focused on Championship-level exposure, where physicality in particular can accelerate a player’s transition towards full-time senior football.

Stephen Mfuni has become the latest name to be targeted for a Championship loan, with clubs such as Sheffield Wednesday among those showing interest in the 17-year-old, whilst City reportedly searched for a “footballing” side that could nurture the teenager.

Now, following the recall of Max Alleyne to the Etihad Stadium earlier this month, Fabrizio Romano has revealed that officials at Vicarage Road have finalised a loan deal until the end of the season for Manchester City’s Mfuni.

The teenager Mfuni featured for the City first team in their pre-season tour of North America in 2024, and went on to be named on the bench this campaign in various competitions including against Manchester United, Napoli and Huddersfield Town.

However, the crowning moment for the player in his very young senior career came through his Manchester City first team debut this month as a half-time substitute for Nathan Aké in the FA Cup third round tie against Exeter City, which finished 10-1 to Guardiola’s men.

The move to Watford now provides immediate cover for the Championship club off the back of losing Max Alleyne, while also offering Stephen Mfuni the chance to test himself in one of the most demanding divisions.

For Mfuni, this spell could prove decisive as regular first-team football at Championship level would significantly boost his readiness for future senior involvement, whether that comes through further loans, domestic cup opportunities, or integration into Pep Guardiola’s plans.

City will no doubt monitor Mfuni’s performances closely, particularly in terms of consistency, adaptability, and decision-making under pressure, and strong showings at Vicarage Road could place him firmly on the shortlist for pre-season involvement next summer.