Manchester United sign 16-year-old David Eze from Manchester City

Manchester United sign 16-year-old David Eze from Manchester City

Manchester United have announced the signing of 16-year-old midfielder David Eze from Manchester City, the club said in a statement on their official website.

The English Football Association had earlier listed Manchester United as Eze’s club in its squad announcement for England’s youth teams, an indication the move is in place ahead of his registration for competitive youth fixtures.

Daily Post reported that Eze operates as a central midfielder, spent eight years with Manchester City and has represented England at under-15 and under-16 levels. The same report said the teenager has executed a scholarship agreement and will be eligible to sign his first professional contract from March 2027, when he turns 17.

Reacting to his switch, Eze posted a picture of himself in a Manchester United shirt on Instagram with the caption, “Greatful. Next chapter,” Daily Post reported. The outlet also said the player turned down interest from several other clubs to join United.

Manchester United’s website announcement also covered another young arrival. Daily Post reported that German-Nigerian forward Noah Ajayi has signed a long-term professional contract with the club. The report said Ajayi is 17, has represented Germany at under-19 level, and made his competitive debut in the UEFA Youth League this season. He was named among the contributors to United’s run to last season’s FA Youth Cup final, with two goals in five appearances, the report added.

Eze will join Manchester United’s academy setup and continue his development at Old Trafford. According to the reports, his move from Manchester City follows prolonged involvement in the City youth system and recent selection for England youth squads.

Manchester United’s official website carried the club’s statement announcing the Eze signing, while Daily Post provided background on both Eze and Ajayi in separate articles published on 26 September 2026.

Featured image: Ardfern via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.