Reading academy striker Luca Fletcher is heading to the Premier League this summer.
The 16-year-old is an England youth international, but believes he can progress his career faster away from the League One side.
Manchester City are securing Fletcher on a big money contract, with Royals Academy Manager Michael Gilkes admitting they could not compete with City’s offer.
“Within our Academy are a totally devoted team who rightly take immense pride in developing young footballers, both as people and as players,” Gilkes told the Reading Chronicle.
“The role of our Academy has always been to provide a return on the investment. We hope that return comes in the form of young players featuring for our first team – scoring goals, making tackles, keeping clean sheets with the Reading crest on their chest.
“However, that return can also be represented by the might of Manchester City offering a significant sum for the services of a 16-year-old we have helped develop into a fine young footballer. We will proudly follow Luca’s continued path into professional football and we would all like to wish him and his family the very best for the future.”
Taking to Instagram, Fletcher posted: “The end of a chapter. It’s been a pleasure to play for this club for the start of my career. I would like to say thank you to all the coaches, staff and close teammates who have made me into the player I am today. #newchapter.”
