I remember Khaldoon saying they want to win the league with 5 or 6 academy players in the starting line up within 10 years. Or something. Or did I dream that?
Assuming I didn't dream it, they don't throw these things out for fun, but because they are real objectives.
This would be interesting and a great challenge.
Who makes the grade though?
Currently in the squad are
Rico Lewis
Foden
Palmer - I really thought Cole would kick on this season but he's not really contributed that much. Still great potential.
With the greatest respect to all of them ..
I've heard great things about McAtee and he's clearly a talented footballer, but never thought, yet, that he's shown enough to be City first team squad.
I think T Doyle would be in the first team squad by now if he was going to make it at that absolutely elite level. Again though, clearly really talented and I could be wrong.
Harwood-Bellis seems unlikely as we are in for Gvardiol.
Wilson Esbrand also has been out on loan.
To be fair to the above 4, we signed Ake from a relegated Bournemouth side, and that worked out well. They were all playing in teams just promoted from the Championship so maybe they'll be involved.
Mbete seems unlikely as he was playing in League One last season, that's a big jump.
Delap seems unlikely because we have Haaland and Alvarez and play with 1 striker.