The City Football Academy is looking to sign Everton goalkeeper Douglas Lukjanciks, but they will face Premier League competition for the teenager. Manchester City have had notable goalkeeping success over the last decade, with Pep Guardiola having both Ederson and Stefan Ortega at his disposal in the first team, and the likes of James Trafford and Gavin Bazunu enjoying success away from the Etihad Stadium after rising through the academy ranks.
Trafford, who could join Newcastle United this summer, signed for Burnley in a £19 million transfer last July after impressing Vincent Kompany and Turf Moor management during a loan spell at Bolton Wanderers. The City Football Academy also secured a huge signing of Spike Brits last year, getting the 17-year-old England shot-stopper from AFC Wimbledon, who went on to make eight Under-18 Premier League appearances during the most recent campaign.
The CFA have recently recruited 14-year-old American phenom Cavan Sullivan in an MLS record-breaking transaction, and in January, they signed 18-year-old Claudio Echeverri from River Plate. Manchester City are set to expand their academy ranks again this summer, with CFA officials hoping to win the fight to recruit Everton goalkeeper Douglas Lukjanciks, despite Everton’s ongoing financial troubles.
The 16-year-old has twice represented England’s Under-17s and Everton’s Under-18s during the 2023/24 season, with the Toffees eyeing the teenager as a potential future replacement for Jordan Pickford on Merseyside. Everton will face a tough battle to keep Lukjanciks, as Manchester City is ‘intent’ on signing the goalkeeper this summer, according to Football Transfers. Aston Villa are also apparently interested in signing the 16-year-old, while Bayer Leverkusen, Tottenham, and Marseille have already expressed interest.
The sale of an academy product might aid Everton’s financial prospects, with Manchester City potentially including a player in the transaction, according to The Sun. Manchester City may also be obliged to sign a first-team goalkeeper this summer, with rising speculation about Ederson’s future at the Etihad Stadium, including interest from Saudi Arabia.
