Get Guardian on GooglePremier League powerhouse Manchester United have confirmed the signing of 16-year-old English midfielder David Eze, of Nigerian descent.
The 20-time champions announced Eze’s arrival on their official website on Saturday. Eze joins the Red Devils from cross-town rivals Manchester City.
“The central midfielder has joined the club after leaving Manchester City. The 16-year-old, who progressed through City’s academy system, has also been capped by England at youth level. Everyone wishes David the best of luck at United and welcomes him to the club.”
Eze spent eight years at Manchester City and represented the club at the under-15 and under-16 levels before switching to the red side of the city.
The Football Association had earlier designated David Eze’s club as Manchester United during the squad announcement for England’s youth teams before the deal was officially announced.
The 16-year-old central midfielder is believed to have signed a scholarship deal and will be eligible to sign his first professional contract when he turns 17 in March 2027.
David Eze was born to a Nigerian Igbo man and an Irish mother on March 8, 2010, in Dublin, Republic of Ireland. He grew up in Clondalkin until he was five, before moving to Manchester.
He attended early school in the city before moving to Manchester to attend high school, graduating and choosing to focus on football afterwards.
Close observers have compared Eze’s style of play to that of former Manchester United academy prodigy Paul Pogba, given his technical ability in offense and defense, making him a two-way midfielder.
David Eze reportedly chose to play for Manchester United amidst interest from reigning Premier League champions, Arsenal.
