Sheffield Wednesday striker joins Manchester City following Premier League approval | OneFootball

Manchester City have secured yet another scoop from English football’s academy systems as they recruit one of the best young striking talents in the EFL.

The arrival of Caelan-Kole Cadamarteri represents the latest example of City’s aggressive recruitment strategy at youth level, particularly in targeting high-ceiling talent from across the domestic game.

With the Premier League giants continuing to plan for a long-term future that sustains success beyond the first-team, signings like Cadamarteri reinforce a clear message: the pipeline to the top remains as crucial as the elite-level recruitment.

Manchester City have made a habit of identifying and acquiring elite youth talent before they reach the price points of senior-level stars, often leaning on a network of scouts and analysts embedded across the EFL.

In recent years, that has seen them sign players like Divine Mukasa from West Ham. Cadamarteri’s move fits the same profile; a player with elite numbers at youth level, possessing the physical traits and technical sharpness to adapt to the demands of City’s Academy system.

Importantly, the 15-year-old forward arrives with significant pedigree. During his most-recent campaign at Wednesday, Cadamarteri’s record was outstanding, with 24 goals and 10 assists in 23 games for the club’s Under-18 side.

That return also saw standout performances in the Floodlit Cup, where he struck 19 times in just eight appearances. For many within academy football, his name had already become a standout one long before City made their first formal offer.

Now, as confirmed by Fabrizio Romano, Caelan-Kole Cadamarteri has left Sheffield Wednesday for Manchester City’s Academy this summer as the Under-16 striker completes a move to the Etihad Stadium following a five step process approved by the Premier League.

City’s pursuit has spanned several months, with initial attempts in April rebuffed by Sheffield Wednesday despite a proposal reportedly worth a seven-figure sum. However, confidence never dropped within the Etihad camp, and by early June, Fabrizio Romano revealed a deal was in place.

Local reports at the time suggested a fee of around £1.5 million had been agreed, with only the player’s return from a holiday in Dubai and the successful completion of a medical standing between him and formal confirmation of the switch.

Now with all steps completed, the transfer has been finalised, allowing City to integrate Cadamarteri into their setup ahead of the new campaign. Given the club’s strong track record of fast-tracking talent, he may not be far away from EDS football, should his development continue at the same remarkable pace.

Looking ahead, the teenager will be monitored closely by Manchester City’s staff, who are known for tailoring progression pathways that align with both technical ability and psychological readiness. There is also the broader context of City’s success in positioning young forwards into senior football, either through internal promotion, the City Football Group network, or well-chosen loan spells across the Championship and Europe.