Manchester City are set to spark a late race to sign Solihull Moors striker Kyle Hudlin after assessing the Middlesbrough and Cardiff City target this summer, according to The Athletic.
The Citizens have been evaluating the promising forward via video as they look to add to their young, homegrown pool. City even sent their talent spotters to observe the non-league sensation on Saturday as Neal Ardley’s side hosted Notts County.
Manchester City would seek a suitable loan transfer for Hudlin, should they make a move this summer, to help expediate his development in the professional game. Last season marked the 21-year-old’ first season in full-time football after joining from Solihull United.
Hudlin moved from Solihull United to Moors in October, stepping up from Step 7 of the non-league pyramid. However, the forward soon began to catch the eye of professional teams, with Manchester City, Middlesbrough and Cardiff on alert.
The towering 6 ft 9 colossus used his monstrous stature to prove himself as a real menace in the National League. Hudlin ended his first year at Solihull Moors with 10 goals in 36 games, including netting against League One side Morecambe in the FA Cup second round.
Manchester City saw little of Hudlin against Notts County over the weekend, though. The attacker only played the final 20 minutes as his Damson Park natives let slip a two-goal lead to draw the pre-season fixture 2-2 against their 10-man Conference Premier rivals.
The Athletic expect Manchester City’s interest in Hudlin will now spark a late-window race for the Solihull Moors star’s signature. He has 10-months remaining on the two-year deal signed with Ardley’s outfit last season.
Manchester City can sign a real menace in Solihull Moors striker Hudlin
Manchester City would make a very left-field signing by targeting Hudlin, but the Solihull Moors striker is an interesting option. He adapted well to the demands of full-time football last season and produced against professional opposition in the FA Cup.
Now, Premier League and Championship sides want to capture the next potential Jamie Vardy story for their own. Especially as Hudlin proved to be a real menace under Ardley at Damson Park last season while hitting double figures.
Hudlin’s record would look even better with a small improvement to his finishing, as well. The centre-forward gets about the box with ease and striked the ball well to be a triple award winner, too. The Solihull Observer notes he ended 2020/21 as Moors joint top-scorer. He also took the club’s Young Player of the Season and Goal of the Season honours.
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