Divin Mubama set for Man City move after leaving West Ham | OneFootball

Manchester City are close to signing promising striker Divin Mubama, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The 19-year-old left West Ham United this summer on a free transfer alongside Ben Johnson after rejecting a contract extension, and City swooped in to secure his signature ahead of interest from Lyon and Famalicao.

Mubama spent nine years rising through the West Ham academy before debuting in November 2022. While opportunities remained limited under manager David Moyes, glimpses of talent left fans frustrated by his lack of playing time.

Despite 18 appearances for the Irons, none were Premier League starts.

However, City see immense potential in Mubama. The Premier League champions view him as a home-grown player they can develop, potentially with a loan spell to gain experience.

Mubama possesses a skillset that perfectly fits West Ham’s system – a traditional number 9 with strong hold-up play, aerial prowess, and the ability to link up with teammates.

His powerful left foot is a threat outside the box, and his agility allows him to create space in tight areas. Also, his aerial presence makes him an outlet for crosses.

There is room for improvement, though. His first touch can be inconsistent, a weakness at the highest level. However, City are confident in refining this aspect of his game.

While some West Ham fans may be disappointed to see Mubama leave, others will be happy for him to find a club where he can truly flourish.

Is City really the best place for Mubama’s development?

Mubama to Man City might seem like a dream for a young, promising striker. Working under Pep Guardiola holds a massive appeal.

However, the path to regular first-team football at the Etihad Stadium is far from guaranteed, especially for a young player.

City might not be the ideal environment for a player’s development. Take Cole Palmer, for instance. Despite being a highly-rated academy product, he found his opportunities limited at City and opted to move to Chelsea in search of regular game time.

Similarly, Jadon Sancho left City for Borussia Dortmund to develop.

With Erling Haaland currently dominating the Premier League and the potential arrival of another high-profile striker, Mubama faces stiff competition for a place in the starting eleven.

Of course, there is always the possibility that Mubama could excel and become a crucial player.

But considering the challenges faced by other young talents at the club, it’s fair to question whether a move to a less star-studded environment might be more beneficial for his long-term development.