Manchester United will have to look elsewhere after Manchester City youngster Xavier Parker agreed a new long-term contract with the club.
The 16-year-old had been attracting interest from Manchester United and Liverpool after his previous deal with City expired this summer. There had been a chance that the teenager could leave the Etihad, but that possibility has now disappeared.
Parker is staying put and will continue his development with City.
Xavier Parker earns new City contract
Parker is regarded as one of the better young talents coming through in Europe, so keeping hold of him will be viewed as a major result for City.
As per The Athletic, the midfielder has agreed fresh terms after impressing new manager Maresca in recent weeks. He has also continued to train with the first-team group.
That isn’t the first sign that City have big plans for Parker.
The youngster travelled with the senior squad for their pre-season tour of Asia and was the youngest player in the group. For someone who is still only 16, it was a clear indication of how quickly he is progressing.
His form at academy level has also been difficult to ignore.
Parker helped City retain the Under-18 Premier League North title last season and played a key role in their FA Youth Cup success. He finished the season strongly with six goals and seven assists in 21 appearances.
Manchester United lose out on highly-rated prospect
Manchester United will be disappointed that Parker has decided to remain at their local rivals.
Parker joined City in 2024 after coming through West Ham’s academy. Since then, his progress has been massive. The fact that he was included on City’s senior pre-season tour while still 16 says plenty about the club’s view of his potential. Regular training with the first team has only added to the excitement around him.
The Reds have been linked with several of the best young players around and will continue to look for opportunities in the academy market. Parker, however, won’t be one of them.
His new contract means City have retained control of one of their brightest prospects just as interest from their Premier League rivals was beginning to build.
