Manchester City academy talent makes permanent move to Cardiff City

Manchester City academy talent makes permanent move to Cardiff City Man City academy player Cass Machin has joined Cardiff City on a permanent deal this summer The midfielder featured in Man City’s U16 squad last season Machin is expected to be a part of Cardiff City’s U18 squad for the 2026-27 campaign Manchester City academy star Cass Machin has completed a permanent move to Cardiff City ahead of the 2026-27 season. Reports in May anticipated the 16-year-old’s transfer to Cardiff City ’s academy, mentioning that the Welsh club had offered him a scholarship as well as a professional contract. Sports agency GSW Football, who represent Machin, made the announcement on Instagram on July 1 by posting a photo of the midfielder donning a Bluebirds’ scarf at Cardiff City Stadium. Manchester City confirm academy coach’s departure to Championship side Derby County The post caption read: “We’re delighted to announce Cass Machin has completed a permanent move from Man City to Cardiff City. “A move that presents the perfect opportunity for Cass to continue his development in an environment where he can thrive. Wishing Cass every success as he begins this exciting new chapter. Best of luck, Cass.” Report: Cass Machin to ‘link up’ with Cardiff City U18s According to a recent report by Wales Online , Machin, who is highly-rated and regarded as a technically gifted midfielder, is expected to link up with Cardiff City’s U18s squad ahead of the 2026-27 season. Machin had been with Manchester City since the U9 level and featured in their U16 setup last season, having gone strength from strength during his meteoric rise through the CFA ranks. Back when he was part of City’s U12 squad, the midfielder was among the recipients of the City Tough award, which recognises young, emerging players within the Manchester City academy, during their Academy Player of the Year awards ceremony in May 2022. Former Man City EDS manager focuses on Cardiff City academy development Cardiff City head coach Brian Barry-Murphy , who was in charge of Manchester City’s Elite Development Squad from 2021-24, has made it a point to further develop the Bluebirds’ academy. League One club confirm season-long loan for Manchester City goalkeeper The Irish coach joined the Welsh club on a three-year deal in June 2025. Machin appears to be a great fit for Barry-Murphy, considering his emphasis on developing young players to progress into the first team, which ensures promotions within the club. Several of the Cardiff City academy stars have made it to the first-team over the past 12 months and with the Bluebirds’ promotion to the EFL Championship for the upcoming season, it seems Barry-Murphy will be working on bringing more young talent to the club. Following Machin’s arrival, Cardiff City also announced the signing of Aston Villa defender Thierry Katsukunya , who becomes the first new addition to their U21 side this summer and more such acquisitions across all youth levels are in the offing.