Man City have done the right thing by loaning out Felix Correia to AZ Alkmaar
According to the Manchester Evening News, Man City starlet Felix Correia has joined Dutch Eredivisie side AZ Alkmaar on loan for the rest of the season, with the report suggesting that AZ have an option to extend the youngster’s stay by a further 12 months.
Correia, who became Man City’s third signing of the summer back in July following the club-record acquisition of Rodri and the returning of left-back Angelino from PSV Eindhoven, has represented Portugal at the U-19 level.
The 18-year-old was rated highly in the youth ranks at Sporting Lisbon and featured regularly for the academy sides of his boyhood club last season before earning a coveted move to the Etihad.
Correia netted 7 goals in 20 appearances for Sporting’s U-19 side in the previous campaign, earning rave reviews from several scouts across the continent.
The versatile winger didn’t make a senior competitive appearance for Sporting but his exploits in the youth ranks were enough to convince the reigning Premier League champions of his obvious talent and vast potential and they wasted no time in completing a deal to bring him to the club earlier this summer.
Correia has been widely tipped to eventually make the breakthrough into City’s senior side in the years to come but the club hierarchy has probably made the right decision by allowing him to go out on loan, with a view to continuing his development with more regular minutes under his belt.
The 18-year-old Portuguese youth international, although a bright young prospect, is yet to taste senior football in his fledgeling career thus far. His prospects for first-team action would have been close to nil had he stayed on at the Etihad.
The Dutch Eredivisie might not be as competitive as the Premier League but it offers a decent level of competition, nevertheless, and Correia apparently has the talent to cement a more significant first-team role over there.
AZ Alkmaar is one of the biggest clubs in Holland and exposure to different surroundings is likely to favour his all-around growth and development as a player. To be honest, a successful loan spell in the Eredivisie might pave the way for him to enjoy a breakthrough season at the Etihad in the near future.
The starlet, who is blessed with lightning pace and has the versatility to play in multiple roles in the attacking third, will need to work harder than ever in order to fructify his dream of playing for City in the future, given the level of competition in the first-team at his parent club.
Looking at things from City’s perspective, the champions have lost some top-quality academy talents in recent times, including the likes of Jadon Sancho, Rabbi Matondo and Brahim Diaz
Keeping that in mind, it is important for them to keep the pathway open from the youth ranks to the senior side if they are really serious about continuing their domination in English football.
Realistically, accomplishing the feat of becoming the next Phil Foden at Man City is easier said than done but Correia should focus on his development for the time being.
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To conclude, the 18-year-old looks like a real talent but he is one for the future and a loan move to AZ apparently suits all parties well.