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Manchester City have had positive experiences shopping in France, and have a particular advantage this time around
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Manchester City are leading the race to sign a young winger currently operating in France. Last January was a busy time for Pep Guardiola’s side, bringing in Omar Marmoush, Nico Gonzalez, Abdukodir Khusanov, Vitor Reis and Juma Bah. It was uncharacteristic of the Citizens, who tend to prefer getting their business done over the summer, but it was needs-must as their form was floundering.
The same is not quite true of this season, with the Etihad Stadium outfit sitting in second place, just two points off league leaders Arsenal. It means Manchester City can take their foot off the gas somewhat in terms of big-ticket signings, and take a longer-term view on the talent they want to bring in. One such player the English side are said to be targeting is Troyes winger Mathys Detourbet, according to Foot Mercato. The 18-year-old has impressed this season, growing in importance with 16 Ligue 2 appearances and two assists. The best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week. City are not the only interested party, with Roma – who reportedly saw a €10m package for the player rejected last summer – along with Monaco and several German clubs also eyeing the prospect. This could be something of a one-horse race if Manchester City are truly intent on landing Detourbet, however, as Troyes sit within the City Football Group (CFG) multi-club system, of which Guardiola’s side is the flagship. Current Etihad winger Savinho travelled a similar path, going on loan to CFG stablemate Girona, before being signed by Manchester City in 2024 in a deal worth up to £30. 8m. Get Manchester City tickets at Seat Unique Manchester City's hospitality provides Level 2 South West Corner seating and access to the exclusive Manager's Corner Lounge and Bar. Guests can enjoy premium food and bar options, complimentary tea and coffee at half-time and full-time, and a matchday programme. Car parking (one per four guests) is also included, adding convenience to this enhanced match experience. Savinho is sure to be the blueprint for this move, in Four Four Two’s opinion, regardless of whether he goes on loan before or after the official transfer to City. The Brazilian has received mixed reviews on his introduction to the first team in east Manchester, but he is one of the first full-fledged examples of the multi-club system in action. For the likes of Roma and Monaco, they’d surely have to offer an eye-watering sum to be successful if the Sky Blues want to keep Detourbet in the CFG ecosystem. Detourbet is valued at €4m, according to Transfermarkt. Mathys Detourbet, 18 ans : il a déjà tout d'un grand ? pic. twitter. com/3Qkezd Uhj0November 24, 2025 Isaac Stacey Stronge is a freelance football writer working for Four Four Two, Manchester United and Football League World. He has been a season ticket holder at Stockport County throughout the Hatters’ meteoric rise from the National League North to League One and is a die-hard Paddy Madden fan. You must confirm your public display name before commenting Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.
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