Liam Smith (Getty Images)
Reports from The Scottish Sun suggest that Manchester City seem to have won the race to sign Kilmarnock teenager Liam Smith.
Liverpool and Rangers were also in contention to sign the 16-year-old earlier but now Manchester City are confident of a deal to land the winger (h/t The Scottish Sun).
Smith has been impressive for Kilmarnock’s U18 side. Though he has not featured for the senior team, his goal for Scotland U16 against Malta in March was enough to alert top clubs.
His performance for his nation’s U16 side sparked interest from several clubs at home and abroad. The report also confirms that Manchester City held talks with the teenager in August.
The report suggests that Smith could stay put at Ruby Park till the end of the season before moving to the Etihad in the summer. Kilmarnock hoped to tie down the starlet to avoid losing him for less than £200,000 in training compensation.
Regardless, Manchester City have done the right thing by winning the race for Liam Smith. The left-winger is an exciting talent and he is capable of bolstering their youth ranks.
Gareth Taylor’s lads are currently on top of the U18 Premier League table, with 8 wins from their 10 games. If there is one area to be concerned for Taylor, it would be the left-wing position where Samuel Edozie is the only option available.
To that end, considering Liam Smith’s present form for Kilmarnock and the Scotland youth teams, he would add firepower to their attack. The Scots kid can also benefit from the atmosphere of the Premier League.
The Cityzens currently have Raheem Sterling and Leroy Sane to lead and cover the left side of the attack and both are exceptional players.
Sane as been a long-time target for Bayern Munich, who are willing to sign him despite his injury, according to Daily Mail.
The German has also found it difficult to get game time, with Pep Guardiola consistently deploying Sterling and Bernado Silva on the flanks.
Therefore, when one looks at the bigger picture, Liam Smith could fill the void if Sane leaves. Though the teenager may not be able to get into the first-team immediately, he can slowly progress just like Phil Foden.
Manchester City have struck the right chords by luring Smith to England. The youngster is a bright talent and could go on to be a City player for the long term.
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