Man City goalkeeper completes transfer as players return to pre-season training

Manchester City under-18 goalkeeper True Grant, who won the FA Youth Cup last season, has completed his first loan spell away from the club ahead of the new season.

Grant, son of former Derby, Sheffield Wednesday and Manchester United goalkeeper Lee, was a regular for both the under-21s and under-18s last season - splitting his gametime equally between age groups. He was the goalkeeper as City won the Youth Cup, keeping four clean sheets and conceding just two goals in the young Blues' historic run to the trophy.

The 18-year-old was on Pep Guardiola's bench for the Champions League win at Red Star last season, and was in the senior travelling squad for the final two games of the campaign - where City won the Premier League and travelled to the FA Cup final - as Ederson was out with injury. He was invited to join the first team as they lifted the Premier League trophy by captain Kyle Walker after victory on the final day against West Ham.

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He now embarks on his first spell into senior football, joining National League North outfit Buxton for the coming campaign. With the Bucks a part-time outfit, he could still train with City during the week before representing his loan side for their fixtures.

Grant's loan comes as Ederson's future remains the subject of intense speculation. Ederson has been linked with a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia, and his number two Stefan Ortega has signed a new contract over the summer, so while the goalkeeper department currently remains the same as last season, there will be eyes on Ederson over pre-season given his links with a move away.

As City's senior squad are expected back at the City Football Academy next week to begin their pre-season preparations, the academy have already returned this week, with a number of youngsters posting to social media of their training progress.

It is expected that Guardiola's squad for the tour of the USA will be boosted by a number of youngsters given most of his first-teamers have been involved in international tournaments - with four set to play in the Euro 2024 final and Julian Alvarez competing in the Copa America final this weekend.

City announced this week that U18 head coach Ben Wilkinson has been promoted to become the new Elite Development Squad coach, with Brian Barry-Murphy departing the club for a 'new challenge'. Former Hertha Berlin youth coach Oliver Reiss is expected to take charge of the under-18s.