Manchester City now close to signing player West Ham released

Players of West Ham United react in the penalty shoot out during the Pre-Season Friendly match between West Ham United and Celta Vigo at London Sta...

When you already have a side as strong as Pep Guardiola has at Manchester City, transfer windows usually consist of snapping up top talent for the future - and a gem released by West Ham is now close to joining the Citizens.

Txiki Begiristain has already moved to sign one elite talent in Claudio Echeverri - who has been loaned back to River Plate - while Savinho was also signed from Troyes.

So, who is now close to joining the pair at Manchester City after his release at West Ham? Let's take a look...

Manchester City close to signing Divin Mubama after West Ham exit

Fabrizio Romano has now revealed that Manchester City are close to signing Divin Mubama.

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West Ham announced back in June that the England U20 international would be leaving the London Stadium when his contract expired on July 1st - after the Hammers failed to agree an extension with the striker.

Now - in a shock turn of events - Manchester City are nearing a deal to bring Mubama to the Etihad Stadium.

Romano claims that the Citizens have hijacked the 19-year-old's talks with Lyon and Famalicao to strike an agreement with the teenager, who will be kept as part of Guardiola's squad for the 2024/25 campaign ahead of a potential loan in January or next summer.

The reliable Italian journalist adds that Manchester City see Mubama - who Aaron Cresswell said had a "real chance" of making it at West Ham - as a huge homegrown talent who could develop into a top player in the correct environment.

Divin Mubama of West Ham United FC during the UEFA Europa League match between West Ham United FC and Olympiacos FC at London Stadium on November 9...

In 18 appearances for West Ham, the Londoner scored one goal and provided one assist.

Mubama was - however - far more prolific in the youth ranks, scoring 40 goals in 57 appearances for the West Ham U18 side, before netting 18 goals in 34 games for the U21 team.

Risky move

It is always worrying to see a top English talent move to Manchester City, as the immense competition for places and seemingly limitless transfer budget often means homegrown products are forgotten about.

For example, Cole Palmer was even forced to take it upon himself to leave after Guardiola often failed to start him, while Kalvin Phillips - who won England Player of the Year in 2021 - has become something of a laughing stock since his move to the Etihad Stadium.

West Ham United's Divin Mubama celebrates scoring his side's first goal during the Premier League match between Burnley FC and West Ham United at T...

Even Julian Alvarez has left for Atletico Madrid after becoming frustrated in the shadow of Erling Haaland.

Therefore, Mubama undoubtedly has a task on his hands to make it at Manchester City, although he certainly has the talent to make a name for himself if given the chance.

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