In a recent report, The Sun’s Alan Nixon mentioned that Manchester City are leading the race for Northern Ireland starlet Cole Brannigan. It has been mentioned that Pep Guardiola’s side could face competition in the form of Chelsea, Liverpool and Leeds United in pursuit of the Linfield teenager.
Brannigan’s Recent Rise In Northern Ireland
Brannigan has caught the eye with his performances in the youth ranks of Linfield and has gone on to represent his nation, Northern Ireland at the Under-16 level. He was recently a part of his country’s U-15 team that participated versus their Chelsea counterparts earlier this year.
The Irish prospect gave a good account of himself in that game, inspiring Northern Ireland to a 4-0 win at the Premier League outfit’s training ground in Surrey. At the tender age of 16, Brannigan has already managed to impress in youth football and is currently amongst the best young midfielders in Northern Ireland. However, there are some worries over whether the youngster can handle the expectations surrounding a big move to a high-profile team in England.
Still, it is no surprise that top Premier League clubs like Man City and Chelsea are hoping to battle it out to acquire his services.
Manchester City Leading The Race For Brannigan: Is He A Prospect For The Future?
Brannigan is an energetic midfielder who can influence the game at both ends of the field. At such a young age, he has already shown flashes of what he is capable of in the middle of the park.
The Northern Ireland whizkid could grow into a future star at Man City‘s prestigious academy if the reigning Premier League champions can find a way to win the race for him next year. However, he is still quite raw and would need time to settle into life at Manchester.
Pep Guardiola will be the perfect man to oversee his development and could turn him into a future superstar in English football. Therefore, the Mancunian giants should consider going all out in pursuit of Brannigan as he is undeniably a star in the making.
The 16-year-old will only get better in the coming seasons and will be a great, long-term signing for Man City. All in all, there is no doubt that Brannigan is a prospect to watch out for in the future as long as he can make a smooth transition to life at the Etihad Stadium.
