Emilio Lawrence says he 'can't wait to get started' at Manchester City after confirming his switch to the Etihad.
City have made an effective strategy out of scouring the United Kingdom's academies for the best talent in recent years to supplement their locally sourced starlets which has seen the likes of Liam Delap, Ben Knight and Luke Mbete move to Manchester.
Now promising attacking midfielder Lawrence has become the latest young player to join them after the Blues signed the 17-year-old from Everton. In an Instagram post accompanied by photos of him signing his contract and posing with a City jersey, Lawrence wrote: "Excited to get started @mancity.
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"Thank you to everyone @everton for everything over the last 10 years."
Everton have a strong reputation in youth football, especially as they're competing with City, Liverpool and Manchester United in the crowded northwest region for talent, and Lawrence was seen as one of their most highly-rated young prospects.
The Scotland and England youth international made his debut at Under-23 level last season at just 16 years of age, playing four times in the advanced age group. Before earning his promotion, he was a regular in the Under-18s, contributing nine goals in 18 games as he caught the eye of City's scouting team.
The Blues lined up the signing of Lawrence in the summer but the move has only just been confirmed. As a result, he is yet to play this season but the club will be hoping he can become a key part of the Elite Development Squad for the rest of the campaign.
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