Twelve Manchester City academy prospects have taken another major step towards senior football after signing their scholarships ahead of the 2026/27 season.

Tireni Aiyegbusi, Marlow Barrett, Caelan Cadamarteri, Theo Carrington, Toran Mathiesen, Xavier Parker, Jaxon Shire, Archie Thornton, Alfie Turley, Javahn Woode, Keir McMeekin and Darren Motsi have all signed full-time agreements with the club.

The scholarships will see the group move onto full-time schedules at City, where they will work under Under-18s head coach Lauris Coggin throughout the new campaign.

For Barrett and Parker, the move marks the next step after already making their Under-18 debuts last season.

The pair were part of the City side that enjoyed a hugely successful 2025/26 campaign, lifting both the Under-18 Premier League North title and the FA Youth Cup.

Now, the remaining ten players will be looking to make their own mark as they step into full-time academy football.

A group with plenty of potential

Aiyegbusi will provide an attacking threat up front, with the striker's movement and instinct inside the box making him a player to watch as he looks to contribute goals.

Cadamarteri joined City from Sheffield Wednesday at the age of 15 and quickly impressed with his pace, link-up play and work rate. The forward-thinking attacker will now have the opportunity to develop further within City's Under-18 setup.

Carrington has followed a familiar path, progressing through City's age groups like his older brother and former academy player Ezra. Primarily operating at right-back, he will now look to establish himself at Under-18 level.

At the other end of the pitch, goalkeeper Mathiesen is known for his bravery and vocal presence, while holding midfielder Shire brings technical ability and tenacity to the centre of the pitch.

Shire's ability to dictate the tempo could make him an important figure in a City side built around possession and control.

Defensively, Thornton offers composure and confidence when playing out from the back, with his passing ability allowing him to help initiate attacks from deep.

Turley provides further versatility, with the left-footer capable of operating at both centre-back and full-back. His strength and defensive presence are complemented by a willingness to contribute in the attacking third.

Woode will offer another attacking option, with the physical winger looking to use his skill and directness to make an impact in the final third.

McMeekin, meanwhile, joined City from Hearts at 16 and will bring creativity from the number 10 position. His technical ability, composure in tight areas and link-up play will be key assets as he adapts to full-time academy football.

Motsi also arrives with experience from another academy, having joined City from Leicester at 15.

The next step

Signing a scholarship is an important milestone for any academy player.

For these 12 youngsters, it represents the transition from academy football into a more demanding full-time environment, with the opportunity to test themselves against some of the best young players in the country.

City will enter the new season hoping to build on a trophy-laden 2025/26 campaign, with both the Under-18 Premier League North title and FA Youth Cup providing a benchmark for the new group.

For Aiyegbusi, Barrett, Cadamarteri, Carrington, Mathiesen, Parker, Shire, Thornton, Turley, Woode, McMeekin and Motsi, the 2026/27 season now represents the beginning of another chapter.

And with a place in City's pathway towards senior football the ultimate goal, their journey starts here.