Chelsea has spent nearly £300 million on players who came through Manchester City's academy since Todd Boehly took over. The club has signed seven such players for a total of £296.5 million. The latest addition is 14-year-old Isaac McGillvary.
A costly pipeline from Manchester to London
The spending spree on City academy products has become a defining feature of Chelsea's transfer strategy under Boehly. The seven players represent a significant investment in young talent, with the club paying a premium for players who developed at a rival's youth system. The total outlay of £296.5 million is more than many clubs spend on their entire first-team squads.
Why City's academy is a target
Manchester City's academy has produced a steady stream of highly rated players in recent years. Chelsea has been the most aggressive buyer, snapping up prospects before they break into City's first team. The strategy allows Chelsea to acquire players with top-level training and development without paying the inflated fees that established stars command. But it also means the club is spending heavily on potential rather than proven performance.
The latest recruit
Isaac McGillvary, a 14-year-old, is the most recent player to make the move. He joins a growing list of City academy graduates at Stamford Bridge. The club has not disclosed the fee for McGillvary, but the total spending on the seven players is now clear. Chelsea's willingness to invest in teenagers shows the club's long-term approach to building a squad.
The spending on City academy graduates under Boehly now stands at £296.5 million. That figure could rise if Chelsea continues to target young players from the same source.
