Ever since arriving at Manchester City from West Ham in September of 2023, Divine Mukasa has always appeared destined to one day become a first-team player at the club. The young attacking midfielder has all of the necessary attributes to grow into a City player. He is a precocious talent who seemingly has the world at his feet. After being named in Manchester City’s travelling squad for today’s friendly against Palermo, it is clear that Mukasa is likely to be the next young player to break through at Manchester City.
Three players have risen through the ranks of Manchester City’s academy to become regular first-team players at the club. Phil Foden, Rico Lewis, and Oscar Bobb have taken that path. James Trafford is another who could be included on that list. Although, he spent two seasons at Burnley before returning to the Etihad this summer. James McAtee is another but he seems destined to leave the club. In the case of Foden, Lewis, and Bobb each player is technically superb. That has helped them break through at City. Divine Mukasa has technical quality in spades. That sets him up well to become a Manchester City player.
Divine Mukasa is an attacking midfielder. He is a creative force that was on full display last season. His ability to play in the pockets and create something out of nothing is exceptional. Mukasa can also score goals which makes him an infinitely more dangerous player. He is also physically imposing so playing against seasoned professionals at 17 years of age shouldn’t be a massive shock to the system of Divine Mukasa.
Divine Mukasa looks ready to play at a higher level throughout the 25/26 season. At times he made it seem like he was a man playing against boys for Manchester City’s under-18 side. It is clear to see that Mukasa needs to be tested at a higher level. The England youth international should move up to the City EDS side this season. He will also likely spend a significant time training with Pep Guardiola’s squad. That should help him fulfil his obvious potential.
It isn’t expected that Divine Mukasa will be a prominent player in Pep Guardiola’s squad next season. But it won’t be a surprise if and when he makes his first-team debut for Manchester City at some stage during the 25/26 season. His inclusion in Manchester City’s travelling squad for today’s match shows how highly he is regarded at City. Divine Mukasa looks set to be the next young player to break through at Manchester City. If and when that occurs will be something worth watching out for.
