Motsi emerges as City's next academy prospect ahead of crunch Youth League clash with PSG

Darren Motsi, a 16-year-old winger and attacking midfielder who joined Manchester City this summer from Leicester City, is emerging as one of the more intriguing prospects in the club’s academy setup. The teenager scored for England Under-17s in their victory over the Republic of Ireland during the recent international break, with fellow City starlet Xavier Parker also on target that day.

Motsi signed scholarship forms upon his arrival at the Etihad and can operate on either flank or in a central attacking role. His name has largely flown under the radar compared to fellow former Fox Jeremy Monga, but those inside the club are beginning to take notice. Parker, who was also part of that England Under-17 squad, is already highly regarded at City after the club fought to retain him over the summer — and Motsi is thought to be capable of reaching a similar standing.

The attention now turns to the Under-19s, who return to action next week with a UEFA Youth League home fixture against Paris Saint-Germain. The stakes are considerable: City were beaten in their opening group game at Porto, while PSG arrive in commanding form after a 6-1 demolition of Slovan Bratislava. With only six matches in the league phase, a second defeat would leave the young Blues with a steep climb to reach the knockout rounds.

City’s recent record in the Youth League has fallen short of the club’s expectations, and there is a clear desire this season to progress deep into the competition. The home tie against PSG is, in effect, a must-not-lose contest if that ambition is to remain realistic.

Elsewhere, the Under-21s conclude their EFL Trophy group stage campaign later this month with a trip to Port Vale. Oli Reiss’ side opened with a win over Mansfield before losing to Chesterfield, leaving them needing a victory at Vale Park to advance. Vale currently sit a point ahead of City in second place, and a draw will not be sufficient — only a win guarantees progress, with an outside chance of topping the group should Chesterfield drop points against Mansfield.