Tom Bogert and Sam Lee previously reported back in March that Man City was expected to complete a deal to sign the England international, but nothing was close or signed yet. McFarlane, 17, would not move to the Premier League until he turned 18. According to Romano, McFarlane turned down bids from Brighton and Hove Albion and German clubs to join City.

The left-back has started NYCFC’s last four games including NYCFC’s draw against Queretaro in the Leagues Cup. The MLS side earned a point by winning a penalty shootout.

McFarlane was a regular for England at the U-17 Euros. Bringing over not only McFarlane and Philadelphia Union 14-year-old talent Cavan Sullivan represents two major signings for Manchester City’s academy.

Sullivan made his senior professional debut with the Union on July 18 breaking a 20-year record held by Freddy Adu.

McFarlane first joined NYCFC’s youth academy in 2019. He signed his first professional contract with the team in Sept. 2021 at 14-years-old. Born in Basildon, England, McFarlane started three of four games at the 2024 UEFA European Under-17 Championship. England was knocked out in the quarter-finals by Italy.

Of note, New York City FC is part of City Football Group. This is not the first time the two teams have done business. Jack Harrison, Mix Diskerud and Chelsea and England legend Frank Lampard are some of the names involved in previous business done between NYCFC and Manchester City.

The most notable of recent memory who did not end up playing in Manchester was Valentin Castellanos. The forward was part of NYCFC’s successful MLS Cup campaign and he spent a season on loan at CFG club Girona.

According to Bogert, McFarlane is expected to be given the chance to develop and break into the Man City first team.