Etihad exodus continues as Man City confirms three exits in 45 minutes
Manchester City have moved quickly to reshape their defensive ranks, confirming departures for Max Alleyne, Lakyle Samuel and Finley Burns.
Manchester City have confirmed the departures of three young defenders in a rapid reshaping of their academy ranks, with Max Alleyne, Lakyle Samuel and Finley Burns all leaving the club on Friday.
According to the Manchester Evening News, Alleyne has joined Burnley on a season-long loan as the Championship club prepare for life under new manager Nicky Hayen.
The 21-year-old spent part of last season with Watford before being recalled to City during an injury crisis, making seven first-team appearances across four competitions.
Samuel has also departed temporarily, joining Exeter City for the campaign after spending last season in League Two with Bromley.
The right-back, who is yet to feature for City’s senior side, will now continue his development in the English Football League.
Burns, meanwhile, has ended his association with City on a permanent basis after completing a £200,000 move to League One outfit Wigan Athletic, where he has signed a three-year contract.
The defender made just one senior appearance for Pep Guardiola’s side, featuring in a 2021 EFL Cup victory over Wycombe Wanderers, and has since gained experience through a series of loan spells.
The exits underline City’s continued strategy of giving promising youngsters regular first-team football elsewhere rather than leaving them on the fringes of the senior squad.
Alleyne’s move to Burnley could offer another opportunity to establish himself at Championship level, while Samuel will hope to build on his previous experience in League Two.
Burns, meanwhile, now has the chance to secure a more permanent role as he begins a new chapter with Wigan.
The trio’s departures also create further movement within City’s pathway as the Premier League champions continue balancing their first-team requirements with the development and progression of their emerging talent.
