Manchester City is on the verge of securing a potential signing of young winger Mathys Detourbet from Troyes as they seek to enhance their squad. The 18-year-old has made a significant impact in Ligue 2, featuring in 16 matches this season and contributing two assists. His performances have attracted interest from several clubs, with City currently leading the race for his signature.
In January 2025, Manchester City was particularly active in the transfer market, bringing in several players, including Omar Marmoush, Nico Gonzalez, and Abdukodir Khusanov. This was a notable shift for a club that typically prefers to conduct its business during the summer transfer window. The urgency of the situation stemmed from a dip in form that required immediate reinforcements.
As of now, City is placed second in the Premier League, just two points behind leaders Arsenal. This advantageous position allows the club to adopt a more measured approach in the transfer market, focusing on long-term investments rather than immediate fixes.
Detourbet’s Rising Star Status
According to reports from Foot Mercato, City is particularly interested in Detourbet due to his impressive development at Troyes. The French winger is not without competition, as clubs such as Roma, which previously had a €10 million offer rejected for the player, and Monaco, along with various German teams, are also monitoring his progress.
Despite the competition, City may have a significant edge. Troyes is part of the City Football Group (CFG), which includes Manchester City as its flagship club. This relationship could facilitate a smoother transition should City decide to proceed with the transfer.
A similar pathway was followed by current City winger Savinho, who was loaned to CFG affiliate Girona before officially joining Manchester City in 2024 in a deal valued at up to £30.8 million. This approach underscores the CFG’s strategy of developing talent within its network before integrating them into the senior team.
Market Value and Future Prospects
Detourbet is currently valued at approximately €4 million, according to Transfermarkt. This valuation may increase as he continues to perform well in Ligue 2. For clubs like Roma and Monaco to secure his services, they would likely need to present a substantially higher offer, especially if City expresses a strong desire to keep him within the CFG ecosystem.
The transfer scenario involving Detourbet highlights the evolving dynamics in football, where young talents are not only nurtured within clubs but also become integral parts of larger corporate structures like CFG. As City weighs its options, the potential acquisition of Detourbet could mark yet another step in consolidating its position as a powerhouse in both domestic and European football.
