Manchester City demand multi-million transfer fee for 18-year-old goalkeeper – Premier League clubs interested | OneFootball

Etihad Stadium officials are eyeing a significant transfer fee should they succumb to selling one of their most highly-rated goalkeeping talents, according to reports.

Oliver Whatmuff has emerged as one of the standout prospects within City’s academy, having been with the club since Under-8 level before signing his scholarship in the summer of 2024. A commanding presence, the teenager is highly regarded for distribution, composure, and leadership – qualities that align closely with City’s first-team goalkeeping demands.

Whatmuff’s development has accelerated further this season during a senior loan spell at National League high-flyers Rochdale. The England youth international recorded six clean sheets in his first 10 appearances, adapting quickly to the physical and tactical demands of men’s football.

It has previously been suggested that Premier League clubs have been closely monitoring the situation, and that interest has highlighted a familiar dilemma for City in balancing a clear pathway for elite academy talents against the reality of limited first-team opportunities.

Now, according to the information of journalist Alan Nixon, Brighton & Hove Albion want to sign City’s Oliver Whatmuff on a permanent agreement, but face a demand from the Etihad Stadium of £10 million for the 18-year-old goalkeeper.

The Seagulls are said to be keen on the top-ranked prospect and reportedly hope to do a deal, possibly as early as the upcoming January transfer window amid rave reviews from Whatmuff’s ongoing loan deal at Rochdale.

Aside from the South Coast side, the report reaffirms interest from Brentford, and while Manchester City would be willing to sell the player, it is ensured that they will seek out a ‘giant fee’ and could yet demand a buy-back option.

Brighton’s interest is likely to be driven by their long-term squad planning and strong track record of developing young talent, and a permanent move could offer Whatmuff a clearer route towards consistent Premier League football.

For Manchester City, the situation mirrors previous academy exits such as James Trafford initially and Gavin Bazunu, where significant fees and protective clauses allowed the club to retain long-term control.

A £10 million valuation underlines just how highly Manchester City rate Whatmuff’s potential, despite his very limited senior experience and having not registered a single outing in the Football League thus far.

Should a deal and exit progress for Whatmuff, Manchester City may explore Sunderland’s Matty Young as a possible replacement in the position of being a goalkeeper viewed as a developmental project within the club, as previously reported.