Manchester City youngster Adedire Mebude is close to joining Belgian outfit K.V.C. Westerlo.
That’s according to the Manchester Evening News’ chief City writer Simon Bajkowski.
Mebude joined City’s academy three years ago from Rangers, and has since gone from strength-to-strength in the club’s youth ranks.
The 19-year-old striker made a significant contribution to City U21’s third consecutive league triumph last season, scoring 11 goals and providing 13 assists in 26 appearances.
Over the last two summers, City have made a habit of selling on talented academy graduates for decent fees.
Last year City brought in a combined £42m when the sold Romeo Lavia, Gavin Bazunu, Juan Larios and Sam Edozie to Southampton.
This summer they have followed that up by selling Shea Charles to Southampton and James Trafford to Burnley in deals that could net them as much as £15m and £19m respectively.
Attacker Carlos Borges – Mebude’s partner in crime for the U21s last season – looks set to join West Ham for £14m, while Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Tommy Doyle could fetch sizeable fees after impressing in the Championship last season.
Westerlo close in on Mebude
Now it’s Mebude’s turn to fly the nest.
The Manchester Evening News has reported that the Scottish youth international is expected to join Belgian Pro League side Westerlo in a deal worth £1.5m.
Westerlo have beaten Dutch Eredivisie side AZ Alkmaar to the youngster’s signature.
As tends to be the case City will have a buy-back clause, while the treble winners will also be entitled to 30 per cent of any fee Mebude fetches if he leaves Westerlo.
MCN view: Mebude shows depth of academy talent
While the £1.5m fee received for Mebude does not exactly stand out, when taken in context it shows the sheer depth of talent in City’s academy.
The 19-year-old is clearly a talented goal-scorer, but he is yet to play a single minute of senior football.
The fact that experience doesn’t bother potential suitors shows how highly regarded City academy graduates are.
