The youngster with a six-month high is expected to switch to Serie A after struggling to break into Pep Guardiola’s first-team plans
Manchester City academy star Jayden Braaf is expected to join Udinese on loan for the rest of the season, Amas can confirm.
The club was open for a loan conversion for the high-profile player, who has also been watched by several German clubs including RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund.
Braaf joined City from PSV Eindhoven in 2018 and quickly established himself as one of the top players in the club’s academy. He has made comparisons with England international Jadon Sancho, who also came through the City system as a youngster before establishing himself in the Bundesliga with Dortmund.
The 18-year-old Dutchman has trained with the first-team squad but has not made an appearance for Pep Guardiola’s side.
Guardiola urged patience about Braaf’s development when asked if he was capable of making his debut this season.
“He’s a young player and I think everyone has to be patient with him,” the City boss said at the start of the season. “He has amazing skills but at the same time he has six or seven players. another plays in it, so we have to see how it evolves. “
After missing the start of the campaign through injury, Braaf was part of the U18 side that won the FA Youth Cup for the first time in 12 years. From that team, Cole Palmer, Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Tommy Doyle and Liam Delap have all appeared for Guardiola’s side this season.
Braaf, however, wants to prove himself and with a step to the first team that is unlikely to be seen anytime soon, a loan conversion will be fitting for both the player and both clubs.
The Dutch U18 international is believed to be worth around £ 8 million (€ 9m / $ 11m) and for any permanent contract, and City appear to want a sales clause.
Braaf, who attracted interest from Chelsea before joining City, has a contract with the club until 2023.
Meanwhile, City do not plan to make any visible signs before the transfer window closes Monday. However, the future of another academy graduate, Eric Garcia, remains uncertain with the Spanish international in the final six months of his contract as Barcelona struggle to complete a contract in January.