Fakayejo Paul
Manchester, UK – Manchester City have successfully reached a verbal agreement with one of their most promising young talents, Nico O’Reilly, on a new long-term contract.
The 20-year-old midfielder’s future had been a source of speculation this summer, but the club has now secured his commitment.
According to reports, City turned down multiple approaches for O’Reilly, including two bids from Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen and interest from other Premier League clubs.
The club’s refusal to sell, coupled with their decision to offer him a new contract, demonstrates the high regard in which they hold the versatile midfielder.
The verbal agreement is believed to include a significant salary increase and, tellingly, a new first-team squad number.
While the specific number has not yet been confirmed, this is a clear sign that Pep Guardiola and the club’s coaching staff see O’Reilly as a player who will be a permanent fixture in the senior squad this season.
O’Reilly, who can operate as a central midfielder or on the left-flank, made a significant breakthrough during the 2024/25 season, making 21 appearances for the first team and contributing 5 goals and 3 assists.
His impressive performances, particularly his physicality and technical ability, have convinced City to push hard to keep him.
With players like Cole Palmer having left the club in the past and gone on to thrive elsewhere, City were reportedly keen to avoid a similar situation with O’Reilly.
This new deal, once formally signed, ensures that O’Reilly will continue his development at the Etihad Stadium, providing further depth and talent to a squad already packed with quality.