CJ Egan-Riley
Trained at Guardiola’s school, voted the best defender in the Championship, and arrived on a free transfer. What if he is the stroke of genius of the transfer market?
When a player graduates from Manchester City's academy, you can expect a certain technical elegance. CJ Egan-Riley embodies that pedigree. But he's not just a promise. Last season, he was one of the key players in Burnley's promotion, to the point of being named in the Championship's team of the season, a league known for its toughness. The best part? He arrived on a free transfer. He turned down a "significant contract" from his club to join us, attracted by the De Zerbi project and the Champions League. It's the sign of an intelligent and ambitious player.
His profile is that of the modern defender: "solid and calm on the ball", with passing stats that place him at the top of the class. His versatility is a major asset, as he can play in central defense, on the right side, or even as a defensive midfielder. For a coach who loves tactical flexibility, it's a blessing. His main area for improvement remains aerial duels, where he is not dominant. His arrival may symbolize a shift in our recruitment strategy: smarter, more targeted. We're no longer just looking for names, but for high-potential profiles that fit a specific playing philosophy.
We don't expect him to be the leader from day one. He's here to learn, to bring competition, and to challenge the hierarchy. His challenge will be to prove that the calm and composure displayed in England can withstand the Vélodrome's heat and the pressure of big game nights. It's an investment for the future, a talent to be polished. But given his track record, we have every reason to be optimistic.