The summer transfer window has brought exciting news for both Manchester City and Stoke City supporters as promising young striker Divin Mubama completes his loan move to the Potters. The talented forward, who played an instrumental role in Manchester City’s academy success last season, represents one of the most promising talents to emerge from the club’s youth system in recent years.
Manchester City’s youth development program has established itself as one of the most successful in English football, and the 2024-25 season provided further evidence of this excellence. The club’s academy teams dominated their respective competitions, setting new standards and breaking records along the way.
The U21 squad achieved remarkable success by winning the Premier League 2 title, becoming the first team in the competition’s history to claim the championship for a fourth time. This unprecedented achievement demonstrates the consistency and quality of City’s youth development system, which has become a model for other clubs across Europe.
Meanwhile, the U18 team under Oliver Reiss’ guidance delivered an equally impressive campaign, securing the U18 Premier League North title while establishing new benchmarks for excellence. The young Citizens set a new record for consecutive league victories, winning an incredible 21 matches in succession. This remarkable run of form also contributed to them achieving a new league points tally of 65, surpassing previous records and showcasing the depth of talent within the academy.
These achievements reflect the club’s commitment to youth development and their ability to consistently produce players capable of competing at the highest levels. The success of both age groups demonstrates the effectiveness of Manchester City’s coaching methods, training facilities, and overall philosophy toward developing young talent.
Among the standout performers in Manchester City’s U21 squad was Divin Mubama, a striker whose impressive performances throughout the season have caught the attention of clubs across the English football pyramid. The young forward’s combination of technical ability, physicality, and clinical finishing has marked him as one of the most promising prospects in City’s academy system.
Mubama’s statistics from the 2024-25 season paint a picture of a player ready to make the step up to senior football. In Premier League 2 competition, he appeared in nine matches, scoring ten goals and providing four assists while accumulating 733 minutes of playing time. His goal-scoring ratio of more than one goal per game demonstrates his clinical nature in front of goal and his ability to consistently find the back of the net.
His performances in the Premier League 2 playoffs were equally impressive, where he scored six goals in four appearances, helping his team advance through the competition. These crucial moments showcase his ability to perform under pressure and deliver when it matters most, qualities that will serve him well as he transitions to senior football.
The striker also gained valuable experience at the senior level, making his Premier League debut and appearing in both the EFL Trophy and FA Cup. While his minutes were limited in these competitions, the exposure to senior football provided him with invaluable experience and a taste of what awaits him at the next level.
The decision to loan Mubama to Stoke City represents a strategic move for both clubs involved. For Manchester City, it provides their young striker with the opportunity to gain regular first-team experience in the Championship, one of the most competitive leagues in world football. The physical demands and tactical complexity of the Championship will test Mubama’s abilities and help him develop the skills necessary to succeed at the highest level.
Stoke City, meanwhile, gains access to one of the most promising young strikers in English football. The Potters have been actively seeking to strengthen their attacking options, and Mubama’s arrival addresses a key area of need while providing them with a player who has already demonstrated his goal-scoring ability at youth level.
The timing of the move has been particularly beneficial for Stoke City, as they were able to secure Mubama’s services early in the summer transfer window. This early completion allows the young striker to participate in the club’s pre-season preparations, build relationships with his new teammates, and develop an understanding of the tactical systems he will be operating within.
The announcement of Mubama’s loan move has generated significant excitement among Stoke City supporters, who have taken to social media to express their enthusiasm about the signing. The reaction from fans has been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing confidence that the young striker can make a significant impact during his time in Staffordshire.
Supporters have praised the club’s ability to secure such a highly-regarded prospect, with many noting that they have been following Mubama’s progress for some time. The fact that he has been on their radar for over a year demonstrates the thoroughness of Stoke’s scouting network and their commitment to identifying talent before it becomes widely recognized.
The expectations surrounding Mubama’s arrival are high, with supporters hoping that his goal-scoring record at youth level will translate to success in senior football. His impressive statistics have led to comparisons with successful young strikers who have made similar transitions, and there is genuine optimism that he can become a key player for the Potters.
Some fans have even suggested that based on his performances in football simulation games, Mubama could emerge as one of the Championship’s top goal-scorers. While such predictions should be taken with a grain of salt, they reflect the genuine excitement and anticipation surrounding his arrival.
Stoke City’s pursuit of Mubama reflects a broader strategic approach to recruitment that emphasizes physicality, athleticism, and technical ability. The club has been actively seeking to add players who can compete in the demanding environment of the Championship while also possessing the technical skills necessary to implement their tactical vision.
Sporting director Jonathan Walters has been instrumental in identifying and securing Mubama’s services, having been aware of the player’s talent and ability for some time. The swift action taken to secure the loan deal demonstrates the club’s commitment to acting decisively when opportunities arise to strengthen their squad.
The emphasis on signing players who are “big, athletic and strong” represents a clear tactical direction for Stoke City, as they seek to build a team capable of competing physically while maintaining the technical quality necessary to succeed in the Championship. This approach marks a departure from previous recruitment strategies that may have prioritized different attributes.m
The loan move to Stoke City presents numerous development opportunities for Mubama as he seeks to establish himself as a professional footballer. The Championship is widely regarded as one of the most competitive and physically demanding leagues in world football, providing the perfect environment for young players to test themselves against experienced professionals.
The tactical complexity of the Championship will challenge Mubama to develop new aspects of his game, including his ability to hold up play, link with teammates, and adapt to different tactical systems. These skills will be crucial for his long-term development and his prospects of eventually breaking into Manchester City’s first team.
The regular playing time that Mubama is likely to receive at Stoke City will be invaluable for his development. At Manchester City, opportunities for young players to gain consistent first-team experience can be limited due to the quality and depth of the squad. The loan move provides him with the chance to play regularly and develop his skills in a competitive environment.
From Manchester City’s perspective, the loan move represents an investment in Mubama’s future development. The club has demonstrated their commitment to youth development by providing their young players with opportunities to gain experience at appropriate levels rather than allowing them to stagnate in youth football. The reported valuation of £10 million placed on Mubama by Manchester City reflects their belief in his potential and their confidence that he can develop into a valuable asset for the club. This valuation also demonstrates the financial value that can be generated through successful youth development programs.
The fact that other clubs, including Ipswich Town, have shown interest in Mubama further validates Manchester City’s assessment of his potential. The competition for his services suggests that he is regarded as one of the most promising young strikers in English football
The Championship presents a unique set of challenges for young players making the transition from youth to senior football. The league’s reputation for physicality, intensity, and tactical sophistication means that Mubama will need to adapt quickly to succeed at this level. The pace and intensity of Championship football will test Mubama’s physical conditioning and mental resilience. The league’s demanding schedule, with matches played regularly throughout the season, will require him to maintain high performance levels consistently while managing the physical demands of professional football.
The tactical complexity of the Championship will also challenge Mubama to develop his understanding of the game beyond simply scoring goals. He will need to learn to contribute to his team’s overall tactical approach, including pressing, defensive responsibilities, and linking play with teammates. The success of Mubama’s loan spell at Stoke City could have significant implications for his long-term career trajectory. A successful season in the Championship would demonstrate his readiness to compete at senior level and could open doors for further opportunities, either at Manchester City or elsewhere.
For Manchester City, Mubama’s development represents part of their broader strategy to develop young talent that can either contribute to their first team or generate significant transfer revenue. The club’s track record of developing and selling young players has become an important part of their business model. The loan move also represents an opportunity for Mubama to establish himself as a professional footballer and build a reputation that extends beyond Manchester City’s academy. Success at Stoke City could lead to further opportunities and help him establish a career at the highest levels of football.
Divin Mubama’s loan move to Stoke City represents an exciting development for all parties involved. The young striker brings proven goal-scoring ability, physical attributes, and technical skills that make him an attractive prospect for Championship football. The timing of the move, completed early in the summer transfer window, provides him with the best possible opportunity to integrate with his new team and make an immediate impact. The enthusiasm of Stoke City supporters
