Romano announces HERE WE GO for ‘HISTORICAL’ Man City transfer
Robin Bairner
- 24 Aug 2023 10:40 BST
- 3 min read
Fabrizio Romano has announced that Manchester City are set to complete a “historical” transfer deal for Red Bull Salzburg prospect Leon Lalic under the banner of the City Football Group.
Lalic will not go straight into Man City’s first-team plans but will instead complete a move to Belgian outfit Lommel.
The 17-year-old has been on the books at Red Bull Salzburg’s U18 side, where he turns out as an attacking midfielder but is also capable of playing in a deeper role. The teenager is notably a prolific scorer in his age group and has featured for Croatia U17.
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Romano reports: “RB Salzburg talent Leon Lalic joins Man City/City Group, here we go.
“It’s first deal ever from RB Salzburg to City Group — historical for a 2006-born midfielder.
“Lalic will initially join Belgian side Lommel.
“David Fernandez’s team followed Lalić for more than 2 years.”
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Lalic following Gvardiol’s path
Although this is the first direct transfer between the City Football Group and Red Bull Salzburg, City have dealt with other clubs in the energy drink giant’s pool previously.
Indeed, just a matter of weeks ago, Man City signed Josko Gvardiol for a world-record fee for a centre-back of €90 million from RB Leipzig.
Meanwhile, it remains to be seen if Lalic can make an impact in what is a ferociously difficult academy system to progress through due to the sheer volume of talent in the club.
Phil Foden may have succeeded in become a first-team regular at the Etihad Stadium but even a prodigious talent like Cole Palmer could be sold on a permanent basis by City.
Pep Guardiola’s side continue to flex their financial muscles in the transfer market this summer and are poised to complete a move for Rennes winger Jeremy Doku for a fee in the region of €60 million.
