Manchester City released David Brooks in 2014 – but the Sheffield United starlet is continuing to be linked with a return to the Premier League with Everton.
When Manchester City unveiled the £200 million Football Academy in December 2014, the oligarch-funded champions announced that the development of some of Europe’s finest young talents was the club’s long-term priority.
It’s ironic, then, that City released one of the most highly-rated youngsters in English football in the same year. Their loss, however, could be Everton’s gain as The Toffees aim to secure the services of Sheffield United starlet David Brooks.
Since famed talentspotter Steve Walsh arrived at Goodison Park fresh from masterminding Leicester City’s Premier League title triumph last year, Everton have embarked on an aggressive recruitment drive aiming to bring the country’s best youngsters to Merseyside.
So far, Everton have paid substantial fees for the likes of Josh Bowler from QPR and Lewis Gibson from Newcastle United and Brooks could be the latest fresh-faced arrival with The Mail confirming The Toffees’ interest in June. The Sun, meanwhile, claims that Everton are still interested, suggesting that the midfielder is a long-term target.
From Manchester to the Mersey
However, with Liverpool also entering the race (The Sun), you get the feeling that City could soon be lamenting their decision not to keep the faith with a player they let go even before his 18th birthday.
Brooks shot to fame as England’s Under-20s won the prestigious Toulon Tournament this summer, following in the footsteps of Alan Shearer, Thierry Henry, James Rodrigues and co by earning the Golden Ball for his quality displays.
And while City are priding themselves on honing the potential of some truly elite youngsters, none have managed to break into the first-team on a consistent basis just yet. Though you wonder whether Pep Guardiola would have liked the look of Brooks, a technically gifted midfielder with maturity beyond his years.
If all goes to plan, Brooks could fulfil his potential in Merseyside rather than Manchester.
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