Mahamadou Sangare exit talks intensify as Manchester City consider summer cash-in

Manchester City forward Mahamadou Sangare could be on his way out of the Etihad Stadium just over a year after arriving from Paris Saint-Germain, with reports suggesting the striker is edging closer to a surprise summer departure despite his impressive development at academy level.

The teenager, signed in June last year, has quickly built a reputation as one of City’s most promising young finishers, but competition for senior minutes has left his long-term future in doubt.

Rapid rise in the academy ranks

Sangare arrived in Manchester with a fearsome scoring record, having netted 33 goals in 35 appearances for PSG’s under-19 side. That reputation has translated well to England, where he has continued his development with 15 goals across all competitions for City’s under-21s.

His sharp movement, instinct in the box and consistent output have made him one of the standout performers in the club’s academy system, reinforcing expectations that he could grow into a top-level striker with the right pathway.

Haaland roadblock at senior level

However, breaking into City’s first team remains a significant challenge. With Erling Haaland firmly established as City’s leading striker and potentially set to dominate the role for years to come, opportunities for emerging forwards are extremely limited.

That situation has placed Sangare’s progression under scrutiny, with the club understood to be weighing up whether regular senior football elsewhere would better serve his development at this stage.

Exit talks gather pace

According to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, Sangare is expected to move on during the current window, with “several approaches” already made for his signature.

His “most likely” destination is said to be either Ligue 1 or the Bundesliga, where clubs are monitoring his situation closely. City’s stance is not believed to be obstructive, particularly given their track record of facilitating academy exits when pathways to the first team are blocked.

Buy-back model remains in play

Manchester City have long used structured deals that include buy-back clauses for departing prospects, allowing them to retain future control if a player develops significantly elsewhere.

Sangare’s potential exit is expected to follow a similar model, ensuring City do not fully close the door on a future return. For now, though, a move away appears increasingly likely as interest builds across Europe and the striker’s next step moves closer to resolution.