Manchester City could be about to lose one of their most promising academy prospects, with Reigan Heskey reportedly close to leaving the club on a free transfer.
The 18-year-old winger's scholarship deal expires on June 30, and talks over a first professional contract have stalled. If no agreement is reached, Heskey would become a free agent — a scenario that has alerted a number of Premier League and European clubs.
For City, losing a player of his calibre without receiving a fee would be a significant setback.
Who is Reigan Heskey?
The son of former England striker Emile Heskey, Reigan joined City's academy at Under-8 level. He is capable of playing across the front line but is most effective cutting inside from the left.
His 2024/25 campaign was remarkable: 27 goals and nine assists as City won the Under-18 Premier League North title and the FA Youth Cup. He continued his development with the Elite Development Squad in 2025/26, recording four goals and 11 assists in Premier League 2 before making his senior debut under Pep Guardiola in a Carabao Cup win over Huddersfield Town.
Across all youth and first-team appearances for City, Heskey has 41 goals and 25 assists in 88 games.
Cole Palmer comparisons
Losing Heskey on a free transfer would draw immediate comparisons to City's past recruitment errors. Cole Palmer struggled for consistent first-team opportunities at City before moving to Chelsea, where he quickly became one of the Premier League's standout attacking players.
Heskey is at a much earlier stage of his career, but City will be keen to avoid another situation where a promising academy graduate flourishes elsewhere after leaving the club.
With time running out before his scholarship expires, the coming days could prove decisive in determining whether City retain one of their brightest academy talents or watch another highly-rated youngster continue his career elsewhere.