Manchester City could be set to lose one of the most promising players in their academy, Raegan Heskey, with the teenager reportedly on the verge of leaving the club on a free transfer.
According to a report from Football Insider, the highly-rated winger’s scholarship contract expires on June 30, leaving serious doubts over his long-term future at the Etihad Stadium.
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Raegan Heskey could leave Manchester City on free transfer
Manchester City face the prospect of letting Heskey go after negotiations over his first professional contract have stalled.
The 18-year-old’s current scholarship contract is set to expire, meaning he could become a free agent if an agreement is not reached.
The uncertainty has put many clubs in the Premier League and Europe on guard, with teams reportedly monitoring the winger’s situation and preparing to move him if he becomes available.
For City, losing one of their standout talents from their academy without receiving a transfer fee would be a major setback.
Who is Raegan Heskey?
Regan, the son of former England striker Emile Heskey, joined City’s academy at Under-8 level.
| team | app | the goal | assist |
|---|---|---|---|
| Man City U18 | 40 | twenty three | 11 |
| Man City U21 | 32 | 9 | 13 |
| man city youth league | 15 | 9 | 1 |
| Man City (first team) | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| total | 88 | 41 | twenty five |
Raegan Heskey Career Statistics (via Transfermarkt)
Although capable of playing up front, Heskey was most effective cutting inside from the left wing. Heskey was an outstanding player in 2024/25, scoring 27 goals and providing nine assists as City won both the Under-18 Premier League North title and the FA Youth Cup.
He continued his development in the Elite Development Team in the 2025/26 season, scoring four goals and providing 11 assists in Premier League 2 before making his first-team debut under manager Josep Guardiola in a Carabao Cup match against Huddersfield Town.
Could Manchester City repeat Cole Palmer’s mistake?
Losing Heskey on a free transfer would be a significant blow to City’s academy structure and would prompt immediate comparisons to the club’s past recruiting mistakes.
Palmer struggled to gain consistent first-team appearances at Manchester City, but completed a move to Stamford Bridge, where he quickly established himself as one of the Premier League’s outstanding attacking players.
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Heskey is still in the early stages of his career, but City will be keen to avoid one of their most promising academy graduates leaving the club to flourish elsewhere.
With time running out before his scholarship expires, the next few days could be decisive as to whether Manchester City keep one of their brightest talents in their academy or watch another highly-rated youngster continue his career elsewhere.
