Stoke City confirm signing of Manchester City goalkeeper | OneFootball

Manchester City have sanctioned the exit of one of their Academy goalkeeping talents, with Stoke City emerging as the successful party in the chase for the player.

The deal continues what has been a busy summer of squad reshaping at the Etihad Stadium, with Pep Guardiola’s side seeing several young talents either depart permanently or head out on loan to further their development.

While the club have already bolstered their senior goalkeeping ranks with James Trafford’s return from Burnley, they have also made moves to streamline the pathway for other Academy stoppers.

True Grant – the 19-year-old son of former Stoke Player of the Year Lee Grant – has long been viewed as one of City’s most promising young goalkeepers. After joining from Derby County’s Academy at the age of 12, he progressed through the ranks and earned recognition by being named in Guardiola’s UEFA Champions League squads two seasons ago.

Last season, Grant excelled on loan at Buxton, making 40 appearances and helping the non-league side reach the National League North play-offs – a campaign that proved vital in showcasing his maturity and readiness for senior football.

Now, as confirmed by all parties over the course of the bank holiday weekend, Stoke City have completed the signing of England under-19 international goalkeeper from Manchester City.

Speaking on the capture, the Potters’ sporting director Jonathan Walters said, “True has shown his quality at Manchester City and during his loan spell at Buxton, and he is regarded as one of the most promising young goalkeepers in the country.

“Darren Behcet was keen to bring him in as part of a strong goalkeeping unit with Viktor Johansson, Jack Bonham and Frank Fielding, with Tommy Simkin also excelling whilst out on loan.

“His dad, Lee, was a hugely respected player here and a fantastic person too. We’re delighted to welcome True into the Stoke City family, and I’m sure he knows what it means to wear the badge.”

The move represents another example of City’s willingness to allow young prospects the chance to forge senior careers elsewhere, especially when pathways to first-team football at the Etihad Stadium appear congested.

With Ederson still at the club for now despite interest from Galatasaray, Stefan Ortega struggling to find a way out of the club himself, and James Trafford returning to push for opportunities, the goalkeeper department is particularly competitive.

For Stoke, the capture of Grant could prove shrewd both on and off the pitch. On the pitch, they have secured one of England’s top goalkeeping prospects to complement their strong unit. Off it, the signing resonates deeply with fans who remember Lee Grant’s contributions.

Should True develop in line with expectations, he may become a key long-term figure for the Potters and potentially follow his father’s path towards legendary status at the club.

For Manchester City supporters, Grant’s move is a reminder of the continued balancing act at the Academy level – nurturing elite talents while acknowledging that not every player can break into Pep Guardiola’s senior side.