From Fabrizio Romano: Manchester City win fiercely-contested race for Scottish prodigy | OneFootball

Manchester City have secured the signing of Hearts teenager Keir McMeekin, winning a competitive race for one of Scotland’s most highly rated young prospects, according to the latest developments.

City’s long-term recruitment strategy has rarely wavered, regardless of the demands of the first-team. While attention often centres on senior signings and title races, the club’s most consistent work continues away from the spotlight, within an academy system designed to identify and nurture elite talent before it reaches full market value.

That approach has been refined over many years. City’s academy pathway has become a recognised launchpad across the Premier League and beyond, producing players capable of contributing at the highest level even if their futures ultimately lie away from the Etihad Stadium.

The emphasis has been on early identification, elite coaching, and competitive loan pathways. Graduates such as Morgan Rogers, Cole Palmer, Jadon Sancho and Michael Olise have all emerged from City’s development structure before establishing themselves as Premier League-level performers elsewhere.

City’s recruitment department has therefore continued to scour domestic and European youth markets, particularly where regulations allow early intervention. Scotland has increasingly become one such area, with leading clubs aware that the compensation framework can favour swift, decisive action.

That context explains why City have moved quickly on a player whose potential has drawn widespread attention north of the border. As confirmed by Fabrizio Romano, Manchester City have agreed a deal to sign Keir McMeekin from Hearts, beating several Premier League rivals to his signature.

Romano reported that McMeekin was ‘wanted by several top Premier League clubs’ – underlining the level of competition City faced. The teenager has now passed his medical, contracts have been exchanged and the agreement is complete, with City expected to formally announce the move as an academy addition.

Crucially, McMeekin is not yet eligible to sign professional terms in Scotland until he turns 16 in February. City moved decisively to reach a compensation agreement with Hearts before the player could be tied down to fresh terms at Tynecastle.

The deal reflects City’s familiarity with this market. By acting early, they have secured a highly regarded prospect at a stage where development, rather than immediate first-team exposure, is the priority.

McMeekin’s rise has been closely monitored across the UK, with his technical profile and maturity for his age placing him among the standout prospects in his cohort. City’s interest was not speculative, it was strategic.

McMeekin is expected to integrate into City’s academy structure immediately, beginning a process that will prioritise physical development, technical refinement and adaptation to City’s positional principles.

City’s history suggests they will allow the player’s development to dictate timelines rather than external pressure. For Manchester City, this deal is another quiet but significant win in the youth market. For McMeekin, it is the first step into an environment that has consistently proven capable of turning promise into profession.