Manchester City has successfully developed a lucrative business model by selling its academy graduates. The club has reportedly earned more than £250 million from these player sales in the last five years, transforming youth development into a significant revenue stream.
Cole Palmer's transfer to Chelsea for £42.5 million stands as City's most expensive academy departure. Other notable sales include Romeo Lavia, who moved to Southampton for £22.5 million, and James Trafford, who joined Burnley for £19 million.
These strategic sales, alongside others like Jadon Sancho and Brahim Diaz, have helped the club manage its net transfer spend. The investment in the City Football Academy, which cost £200 million to build in 2014, has been comfortably recouped through these player transactions.
