Son of England legend ends Man City career to make Bundesliga switch

Bundesliga side FC Koln have completed the signing of Reigan Heskey from Manchester City.

The 18-year-old, son of former England international Emile, moves to Germany in a deal reportedly worth up to £8million until 2030 with the option of an additional year.

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Heskey was handed his first-team debut at City under Pep Guardiola in a Carabao Cup clash last season.

Arguably his finest moment came when he scored the winning goal in the FA Youth Cup final to beat rivals Manchester United 2-1 in May.

But now the promising forward will try his hand in the Bundesliga, a league that has served young English talent well.

There is hope that the move will allow Heskey to continue his development by playing first-team football in the German top-flight – one of Europe’s top-five leagues.

Manchester City have negotiated both sell-on and buy-back clauses into the deal as well as matching rights should another club make a future bid for him.

And he won’t be alone in western Germany.

That’s because former City centre-back Jahmai Simpson-Pusey made a permanent move to the club last month.

Koln recorded a 14th-placed finish in the Bundesliga last season, three points above the relegation play-off spot.

Itching to get started

Heskey said: “I was really keen to join FC Koln to take the next step in my career.

“My discussions with those in charge have shown me that my style of play is a very good fit for the club.

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“I’m looking forward to the challenge of playing in the Bundesliga and want to make the most of this opportunity to prove myself here.

“I’m ready.”

Germany has become a hotbed for young English talent to establish themselves away from their homeland.

Jadon Sancho made waves after moving from Manchester City to Borussia Dortmund in 2017.

Jude Bellingham also swapped Birmingham City for Dortmund with younger brother Jobe following the same path last summer.

Chelsea winger Jamie Gittens also impressed at Signal Iduna Park prior to his return to English football.

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And more famously, England captain Harry Kane has enjoyed three successful seasons leading Bayern Munich’s attack.

That has merely proved that even established English stars are ready to swap the Premier League for Europe’s biggest clubs.