According to an exclusive report from Football Insider, Man City and Rangers are locked in transfer negotiations over ‘powerful‘ 6ft 3 attacking prodigy Abedire Mebude – with the teenage talent having allegedly ‘accepted‘ a deal to sign for the Sky Blues.
Steven Gerrard’s side had originally handed their own offer of a professional contract to the 16-year-old forward, but Mebude turned it down in favour of a potential Premier League move.
What’s the deal?
Stepping in to take full advantage, City have reportedly tabled a scholarship which turns into a professional deal at the age of 17, and the youngster has apparently given his thumbs up and looks set to sign at the Etihad.
Do Man City need a taller striking option?
Yes, 100%
No, Aguero and Gabby are more than fine
City and Rangers are still yet to finalise the move with a few ‘minor hurdles’ standing in the way, such as the reported £100,000 compensation fee offered by our club, but Football Insider claim the move has ‘edged a step closer’ through Mebude accepting the Citizens’ proposal.
Who is Mebude?
Mebude will link up with our Elite Development Squad where he may go on to challenge for a place in our Under-23s set up after impressing enough for the U18s side, and it’s no secret he has impressed at youth level.
Described as a ‘powerful’ centre forward in a match report by the Gulf Times, Mebude’s brother Dapo recently made his Rangers debut at the age of just 17, and it appears the younger of the two siblings could go on to replicate his potential.
What may he bring to the City table?
Standing at a towering 6ft 3, his presence going forward could be what City may need in future seasons given our lack of height in the final third.
Since the departure of Edin Dzeko to AS Roma, we have arguably been bereft of any lofty centre-forward options who can take advantage of whipped crosses into the box.
Both Sergio Aguero and Gabriel Jesus do not possess much aerial threat by comparison, standing at a meagre 5ft 7, with some City supporters potentially hoping that Mebude becomes a taller option if he proves his stardom in the coming years.
While we cannot be sure he’ll live up to expectations, one thing is for certain – City must rate him highly if they’re willing to shell out six figures.