New York City FC today announced that it has sold defender Christian McFarlane to English Premier League champions Manchester City. New York City FC will receive a sell-on percentage if McFarlane is sold in the future.
The 18-year-old, who was born in the United Kingdom, becomes the first New York City FC Homegrown player to have gone through the club’s entire development pipeline and join a Premier League side. McFarlane joined New York City FC’s academy in 2018 at 11-years-old and represented every age category, before going on to progress through Major League Soccer (MLS) NEXT Pro, eventually making his first team debut in 2024.
“We are incredibly proud to see Christian reach this incredible milestone in his career. He’s a player who has come all the way through our academy system, continued his development with New York City FC II in MLS NEXT Pro, and ultimately earned his place in our first team,” Sporting Director David Lee said. “For Christian now to have the opportunity to continue his journey at Manchester City, a club at the pinnacle of world football, is a testament to his hard work, talent, and dedication. I can't wait to follow his career and see how well he's going to do in Manchester knowing that he'll give everything he can to reach the highest level he possibly can in football.
“Christian displayed signs of elite potential in our academy at a very early age and signed his first professional contract before he turned 15, which is unusual, but speaks to the trust and commitment we had in each other, and the belief in the vision we presented that our development pathway could help Christian maximize his potential and achieve his dream of playing in Europe,” added Lee. “The amount of work that goes into producing a player that can perform at our first team level, let alone do so at the age of 17, is enormous and a huge credit goes to all the staff in the academy for all the work they have done to help Christian.
“This moment reflects the amount of exceptional talent we have in New York and underscores our responsibility to continue to identify talent and provide the best pathways possible to as many of those young players so they can achieve their maximum potential within our developmental pipeline.”
McFarlane’s transfer to Manchester City is testament to the defender’s rapid progress during his time in New York. In 2021, at 14 years and 234 days old, McFarlane became the club’s sixth Homegrown signing. At that time, he was the third-youngest player to sign a first-team contract in MLS history. In 2024, the defender made his first team debut making 13 appearances for the ‘Boys in Blue’ across MLS and Leagues Cup games, starting in nine matches, earning him a spot on MLS’s 22 Under 22 list at the end of the season. While playing for MLS NEXT Pro affiliate New York City FC II, McFarlane recorded 33 appearances across all competitions since the team’s inaugural season in 2022.
“I'm incredibly honored to represent New York City FC on a global stage. This club has provided me with amazing opportunities and invaluable lessons that I will carry throughout my career, including my time at Manchester City and beyond,” Defender Christian McFarlane said. “It's been a privilege to grow here and be part of such a special organization. I'm also excited about the next chapter with Manchester City. Visiting their facilities and seeing the players up close is a dream come true, it’s something every young player aspires to achieve. I know this move will be pivotal for my development, and I’m ready to embrace the challenge and make the most of this opportunity."
McFarlane becomes the fourth New York City FC Homegrown to play for a top European division following the footsteps of defender Joe Scally, midfielder James Sands, and forward Andres Jasson who have played in Germany, Scotland and Denmark.
"I want to give all my thanks to David Lee, Sam Pugsley [NYCFC’s Vice President of Sporting Operations] and everyone at the club for always advocating for me. Their support has meant so much, and I truly appreciate everything they’ve done for me and my career,” McFarlane said. “Making a move to Manchester City is a huge step, and I’m grateful to be part of the City Football Group. Having that connection is so important, and it shows young players out there that if you have the right mindset and work hard, opportunities like this are possible. It’s a dream come true, and I’m excited for what’s ahead.”
McFarlane began his soccer journey at JIGS Soccer Training School in Long Island, New York, before joining New York City FC’s academy. The England-born defender has represented England’s U-16 and U-17 youth national teams and was part of the England squad for the 2024 UEFA European Under-17 Championship.
Transaction: New York City FC sells defender Christian McFarlane to Manchester City. New York City FC will receive a sell-on percentage if McFarlane is sold in the future.
