Official: Manchester City talent signs for Leverkusen | OneFootball

Could he become the next breakout star of the Bundesliga? Bayer Leverkusen have signed Manchester City talent Farid Alfa-Ruprecht for a reported fee of €5 million!

Born in Hamburg on March 28, 2006, Alfa‑Ruprecht began his footballing journey at local side ESV Einigkeit Wilhelmsburg before being recruited into Hamburger SV’s youth academy in 2017 at age 10.

He also described himself as a "Bolzplatzkind", learning grit, space awareness and flair on street pitches in Wilhelmsburg.

In September 2022, he made the move to Manchester City, turning down interest from Bundesliga giants. He initially joined the U18 squad, and by July 2023 had signed his first professional contract with the club, becoming a prospect in Man City’s elite youth structure under Pep Guardiola’s supervision.

The 2023/24 season saw him amass seven goals and three assists from 12 Premier League 2 appearances, plus three goals and one assist in the UEFA Youth League. In total, he made 33 appearances across the U18 and Elite Development Squad, contributing seven goals and seven assists in that campaign.

Alfa-Ruprecht also earned a call‑up to the first team squad for an EFL Cup match in October, sitting on the bench for the senior side on one occasion, though he did not make an appearance.

The now 19-year-old has represented Germany at youth level: U16, U17 and most recently Germany's U18, where he collected 4 caps and scored 1 goal.

Leverkusen see in the 19‑year‑old a long‑term prospect with the potential to develop into a first‑team contributor. Managerial staff expect his speed, creativity and dribbling - hallmarks of his street‑football roots - to complement the club’s dynamic, attacking philosophy under Erik ten Hag.

This transfer marks a key move for a young German talent looking to break into senior football. With Leverkusen’s reputation for developing young players and Europa League ambitions, Alfa‑Ruprecht now has the stage to showcase his abilities at the top level!