Manchester City have locked down one of the most coveted teenagers in English football. Xavier Parker, a 16-year-old attacking midfielder, has committed his future to the club with a long-term academy scholarship deal that reportedly sets a new benchmark for youth contracts at the Etihad.
Parker, born on May 9, 2010, only joined City’s academy from West Ham United in 2024. In the span of roughly two years, he’s climbed through the ranks fast enough to earn a spot in the U18 squad for the 2025/26 season, a notable jump for someone who won’t turn 17 until next May.
A bidding war City won before it started
Both Liverpool and Manchester United had been circling Parker, and that rival interest forced City to move quickly and aggressively. Formal contract discussions were held in early July 2026, with the club presenting what has been described as a record-breaking academy scholarship package.
Under English Football Association rules, Parker cannot sign a full professional contract until he turns 17 in May 2027. That means the current agreement is structured as a scholarship deal, the most City can legally offer at this stage.
