When looking at the players Manchester City have out on loan, there are four who potentially look like they could break into the City first team at some point in the near future. They are: Vitor Reis, Divine Mukasa, Stephen Mfuni, and Claudio Echeverri. Each player’s talent and potential are well-known and well-documented. Looking at them individually, what the next step in their careers after this season isn’t immediately clear. Here is a look at what could be the next step for each player as they look to one day become regular Manchester City first team players.
Vitor Reis
This season has seen Vitor Reis thrive at Girona. The Brazilian centre-back has been a regular in Girona’s defence throughout this season. Playing regularly in La Liga has seen Vitor Reis grow in leaps and bounds as a player. The more you see of the young Brazilian, the more he looks like a ready-made option for the Manchester City defence next season. Vitor Reis is exceptional in possession for a young centre-back, and physically he has matured playing regularly in Spain. Aerially, Reis is more than adept, although he does need to mature physically to thrive in the Premier League. But what is clear is that Vitor Reis is almost ready for a role in Pep Guardiola’s squad.
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What could be the next step for Vitor Reis next season?
Looking ahead to next season, a role in Pep Guardiola’s squad seemingly beckons for Vitor Reis. There is a case to be made for another loan move for the Brazilian defender. Realistically the next step for Vitor Reis seems to be a role in Pep Guardiola’s squad for the 26/27 season and I’d be surprised if he isn’t a squad player for Manchester City next season.
Divine Mukasa
The more you see of Divine Mukasa the more you realise that he is ready to play at the highest level. In five appearances since joining Leicester City on loan, he has scored two goals and added three assists. Mukasa has held his own physically in the Championship and his immense talent has also shone through. The fact that Mukasa is playing so well for a team battling relegation speaks volumes about his talent, temperament and physical ability to compete at the highest level. The best way to put it is that Mukasa is more than ready to play against seasoned professionals. He has already shown this at Leicester.
What could be the next step for Divine Mukasa after this season?
This is tricky. Divine Mukasa is ready to play regularly, but the position he plays as an attacking midfielder is extremely competitive in the City squad. The opportunity to play at Leicester City has arguably been the best move for Mukasa. He’s so far thrived in the Championship. Mukasa is only 18 years of age, so he does have time on his side, so to speak. There is a world where he could spend next season in the Manchester City first-team setup; he is more than capable of doing this. Perhaps another loan move, perhaps to a Premier League club, could be the best move for Mukasa for next season before making the step up to the City first team for the 27/28 season.
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Stephen Mfuni
Manchester City’s young defender Stephen Mfuni has impressed at Watford. Despite Watford changing managers seemingly almost every fortnight Mfuni has firmly established in the Watford defence. He has played at centre-back and at left-back, and Mfuni’s composure in possession has caught the eye. As has his defensive work and the fact that he has held his own physically in the Championship at such a young age. That is a credit to Mfuni and it is easy to see why Mfuni is so highly regarded at Manchester City based on how he has performed at Watford in less than ideal circumstances.
What could be the next step for Mfuni after this season?
Manchester City are well-placed in terms of centre-backs. It is hard to see Mfuni cracking into that position at City next season. Mfuni’s versatility could perhaps see him rotate at left-back for example, but Rayan Ait-Nouri, and likely Josko Gvardiol will fill that spot next season. Like Divine Mukasa, I won’t be surprised to see Mfuni become a first team player at Manchester City. But a loan move for next season, perhaps at a Premier League club could be the next logical step in his development.
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Claudio Echeverri
The last player of the four is Claudio Echeverri. Echeverri’s plight at Bayer Leverkusen is well-documented. He is now at Girona, and although he’s been primarily used as an impact substitute for Girona, his remarkable talent has shone through. Echeverri’s dribbling and pace has caught the eye as has ability to create havoc in the final third. Manchester City do have a gem on their hands in Claudio Echeverri, although he is more of a rough diamond at this stage of his young career. Echeverri needs to play regularly to grow and mature and hopefully he can kick on at Girona across the second half of this season.
What seems to be on the cards for Claudio Echeverri for next season?
It is hard to see Claudio Echeverri remaining at Manchester City as a member of Pep Guardiola’s squad for next season. It’s not impossible, but if you had to choose between one of Divine Mukasa or Echeverri to remain at City for next season, Mukasa is the clear favourite. Echeverri’s disappointing loan spell in Germany did cost him the opportunity to grow and develop as a player. He is now playing catch up in this regard. In my opinion, it would seem that another loan move could be on the cards for Echeverri next season. That isn’t a knock on his talent or potential, just the reality of Echeverri’s situation as I see it.
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