Manchester United have completed the signing of 16-year-old midfielder David Eze from Manchester City, adding another highly-rated academy player from their local rivals.
Eze came through City’s youth system and has also represented England at Under-16 and Under-17 level. Despite attracting interest from several major European clubs during the summer, the midfielder has decided to join Manchester United.
The teenager has agreed a pre-professional contract with United. He will move onto professional terms once he turns 17.
United confirmed Eze’s arrival two days after announcing the signing of another City academy player, Karim Cassim. The two moves represent a notable double addition from the Etihad academy.
“Talented youngster David Eze has joined Manchester United,” the club said in its announcement. “The central midfielder has joined the club after leaving Manchester City.”
Eze chooses Manchester United despite European interest
Eze was in demand during the summer, with several major European clubs showing interest in bringing him into their own youth systems.
Born in Dublin, the midfielder holds a European passport, giving him options to continue his career outside England. He ultimately decided against those alternatives and chose to remain in Manchester with United.
His experience with England at youth level adds to a developing profile that has already attracted attention from clubs around Europe.
United have continued to invest heavily in their academy recruitment, with Eze joining Cassim as another young player brought in from City.
The club is hoping the pair can develop into senior players in the future, although both remain at the early stages of their careers.
