Three Manchester City defenders tipped for exits as Blackburn Rovers lodge enquiry | OneFootball

A trio of Manchester City defenders could be set for their first consistent experiences of senior professional football this season as loan enquiries begin to arrive.

As City continue to refine their pathway from academy to first-team, attention has once again turned to which of the club’s promising defenders will take the next step in their development away from the Etihad Stadium.

The 2024/25 campaign brought significant success for Manchester City’s youth ranks, with the Under-21s crowned Premier League 2 champions and multiple prospects earning recognition for their output, but the next challenge for many is first-team experience.

Among the names emerging as prime loan candidates is Max Alleyne – a 20-year-old centre-back who has trained regularly with Pep Guardiola’s senior squad over recent months and played an integral role in last season’s Premier League 2 triumph.

City remain in talks with the former Southampton academy defender over a contract extension before sanctioning a move away, as previously reported in connection with a wider youth reshuffle including Joel Ndala’s loan to Hull City and Callum Doyle’s £10 million availability.

Now, according to the information of the Manchester Evening News’ Simon Bajkowski, Max Alleyne has attracted transfer attention this summer with Blackburn Rovers among the teams that have enquired for the 20-year-old – presumably on loan.

Elsewhere, it has been suggested that Academy full-backs Kaden Braithwaite and Lakyle Samuel could also head out on loan away from Manchester City in search for more regular, senior professional football this season.

The interest from Blackburn signals a potentially ideal environment for Alleyne’s next step, with the Championship club known for nurturing young defenders and offering consistent minutes to loanees from top Premier League sides.

A move to Ewood Park would represent a significant step for Alleyne, with weekly competition in one of Europe’s most challenging second divisions. Should deals progress, all three defenders would follow in the footsteps of others from City’s academy system who have gained valuable senior experience through loans – including the aforementioned Callum Doyle.

Manchester City’s ongoing strategy appears focused on ensuring every talented prospect has a clear development plan, whether through contracts, loans, or permanent exits with future incentives. With pre-season now underway and squads across the EFL and Europe still being finalised, further movement at the Etihad Stadium is expected in the coming weeks.