Manchester City's academy graduates are the most valuable in all of England says new data

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Manchester City have seen plenty of talented stars pass through their doors in recent seasons

Manchester City's academy has been found the most valuable in England according to new data
Manchester City's academy has been found the most valuable in England according to new data (Image credit: Getty Images)

Manchester City's academy graduates have been ranked as the most valuable assets in all of England, says new data.

According to a report produced by the CIES Football Observatory, only Barcelona in European football have a bigger pool of more expensive academy players, with Manchester City ranking second in the list.

Manchester City has the most valuable academy in England according to new data

A general view of Manchester City's Etihad Stadium

A general view of Manchester City's Etihad Stadium (Image credit: Getty Images)

Topped by Barça, it is no surprise that the LaLiga giants lead the way, given Lamine Yamal is the latest product of their fabled La Masia academy.

The report also credits fellow stars Pau Cubarsi, Fermin Lopez and Alejandro Balde as the reason the Blaugrana rank so highly, with all four players thought to be worth close to €600m (£519m).

Pau Cubarsi with his Player of the Match award after Barcelona's win over Napoli in the Champions League in March 2024.

Pau Cubarsi is already a mainstay in Hansi Flick's side yet only aged 19 (Image credit: Getty Images)

Manchester City's most valuable asset is recorded as young defender Nico O'Reilly, with his market estimate thought to be an eye-watering €92m (£80m) at present.

O'Reilly is hoping to be involved in Thomas Tuchel's plans for the 2026 World Cup this summer, having excelled in his performances for both club and country over the last 12 months.

Phil Foden, Rico Lewis, Max Alleyne and Reigan Heskey are all names that also fall under the required CIES value criteria.

Local boy Foden is arguably City's best-ever graduate from their academy system.

It is unclear whether Oscar Bobb was included in the findings, but he could be given that the report states: "For players who spent at least three seasons between the ages of 15 and 21 in two different clubs (e.g. Kenan Yildiz), only the first team was considered as the training academy."

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 25: Oscar Bobb of Manchester City in action during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD5 match between Manchester City and Bayer 04 Leverkusen at City of Manchester Stadium on November 25, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images) ***Local Caption*** Oscar Bobb

Oscar Bobb is closing in on a move to Fulham (Image credit: Getty Images)

Arsenal are down in 5th in the table, with Myles Lewis-Skelly ranked as their most valuable academy-graduate asset. Chelsea are one place below with Levi Colwill topping their list.

For more information on all clubs and a further look at the data, you can visit the CIES Football Observatory's latest findings.

Matthew Holt
Matthew Holt

Matthew Holt writes freelance for FourFourTwo, amongst others, and boasts previous experience at GOAL and SPORTBible. He now works with us alongside his time at Manchester United and Reach PLC, aiding with online content for the website. Career highs include working at the FA Cup final, as well as scoring at Old Trafford in front of the Stretford End. A long-term sufferer of his beloved Scunthorpe United, he is often seen on the padel court, as well as occasionally as a six-a-side call-up.

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