Wolves have signed a versatile defender who has something in common with Jadon Sancho and Phil Foden.
Wolverhampton Wanderers have announced the signing of England youth international Ed Francis from Manchester City.
The 19-year-old has agreed a two-and-a-half-year deal at Molineux with the option of a further 12 months, and will now join up with Rob Edwards’ Under-23 side.
Francis had been with City from a young age, coming through their academy, and has represented the Three Lions up to Under-19 level.
The versatile defender has spent the first half of the season on loan at Almere City in the second tier of Dutch football, making eight appearances across the defence and midfield, and scored a goal against Scheveningen in October.
Speaking to the official Wolves website, academy head of player development Scott Sellars – who worked with Francis as a youngster at Man City – spoke about his qualities and what he will add to the team.
“I spoke to some staff there and Ed was always talented from a young age,” he said. “He can play centre-back, left-back or centre midfield so is very versatile.
“When that quality of player becomes available we have to discuss it to see if it’s a good bit of business for ourselves. We felt moving forward he could really add to the group and at 19 he has a lot of potential.”
Francis played in the same Man City youth team as Phil Foden and Jadon Sancho, who have excelled at the Etihad Stadium and at Borussia Dortmund respectively, so there will be much hope among the Wolves contingent that he can impress just as much as his peers.
Here is how some Old Gold fans reacted on Twitter to the announcement of Francis’ arrival:
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