Stockport County set to complete ambitious Man City transfer deal | OneFootball

League One newbies Stockport County have reportedly agreed a permanent deal to bring Manchester City midfielder Lewis Fiorini to Edgeley Park, according to a report from journalist Pete O'Rourke of Football Insider.

The 22-year-old is believed to be seeking a move away from the Etihad Stadium due to his perceived doubt that he can break into the Premier League champions' first-team.

It could prove to be a smart signing for the Hatters, who saw a number of midfielders depart at the end of the season and are now seeking young, high-potential players that could produce a profit in the future.

Lewis Fiorini set for Stockport County medical ahead of move from Man City

O'Rourke confirmed that Fiorini is set to undergo a medical ahead of his switch to Dave Challinor's side.

It will be a return to the third tier for Scotland youth international, who spent the end of last season on loan at Charlton Athletic.

That followed a stint with Blackpool in the Championship the season before, a full third-tier campaign with Lincoln City and a season-long loan to Dutch second-tier side NAC Breda in 2020/21.

Despite his relatively extensive history of loan moves, as is often common with the Blues' youngsters, the report suggests that this move will be a permanent switch.

Lewis Fiorini deal makes sense for Stockport County

Fiorini would serve as a much-needed boost to the Hatters' midfield numbers after the club's end-of-season business saw Antoni Sarcevic, Ryan Croasdale, Connor Lemonheigh Evans and Myles Hippolyte depart the club, all of whom operated in midfield areas to varying degrees.

For the most part, that was due to owner Mark Stott's confirmed new transfer focus on bringing in younger players, who have the potential to develop with the side and could potentially be later sold on for a profit, creating value for the club.

The move for Fiorini certainly fits into that strategy, with the midfielder highly rated in City's youth ranks - now famous for churning out talented young players - and he also serves to address an area in the pitch that has become a bit lighter in recent weeks.

The midfield starlet has played all across the midfield at his various clubs, from the base to more attacking areas, so it remains to be seen where Challinor sees the player fitting into his central unit, and which player he'll be directly replacing.

Lewis Fiorini also adds League One experience to Stockport County squad

Not only does a move for Fiorini address a squad need, and fits into the overall transfer strategy, but he also adds an element of experience to an otherwise relatively untested group in the third tier.

Despite his young years, the City man has turned out 44 times in League One, scoring six goals and providing four assists, more than he has appeared in any other division.

His last loan move, the short-term deal to Charlton, did not quite go to plan, appearing just five times and amassing a total of just 79 minutes on the pitch.

That, however, does not seem to have put County off. Nor should it, as Fiorini has previously proven more than capable at the level, completing a full season with Lincoln in 2021/22 and .

After a tricky season, Edgeley Park could be the ideal venue for Fiorini to relaunch his budding career. The potential rewards on offer for the Hatters' faith could be huge.