Manchester City player Felix Correia Joins AZ Alkmaar on Loan

CHESTERFIELD, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 08: Alexandre Felix Correia Sanches Andrade of Portugal 17s in action during the International Match between England U17 and Portugal U17 at Proact Stadium on November 8, 2017 in Chesterfield, England. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)
CHESTERFIELD, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 08: Alexandre Felix Correia Sanches Andrade of Portugal 17s in action during the International Match between England U17 and Portugal U17 at Proact Stadium on November 8, 2017 in Chesterfield, England. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images) /
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In Summer of 2019 when Manchester City made Felix Correia one of their signings, there was much surprise amongst the fans.

It is fair to say that Correia was an unknown prospect by most of the Manchester City fans and as soon as City were linked with him it prompted a furious search on YouTube looking for highlights clips. Even then, many were disappointed as it transpired he had made so few appearances there was little to see.

Correia was an 18-year-old Forward, who could also play at Right Wing and who had pretty much exclusively played for Sporting Lisbon Under 19s, and some run outs for the Portuguese Under 19 side. Despite his lack of action there was still a relative buzz around him last season.

In Portugal the 7 goals he had scored in 20 games for Sporting Under 19s had brought the attention of many of Europe’s biggest Clubs. Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool had scouted him extensively. Barcelona, Juventus and Manchester City were all lingering with a view to making a bid.

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The Portuguese press had likened this young player to being the next Ronaldo, but saying that they seem to have a habit of suggesting every young player is the next big thing. That said, there is a strong history of developing young talent in Portugal – and in recent years this conveyor belt of talent has been the thing which has powered the whole Portuguese League.

City purchased Correia on August 6 2019, tying the young player to a 5 year deal at the time. Given the impact Joao Felix is already having at 19 years of age at Atletico Madrid since signing this Summer there is a lot of hope about the future development of Correia.

It is not a surprise therefore that City have today announced Correia has joined AZ Alkmaar in the Dutch League on loan for the season. Clearly it is hoped that by stepping up into first team football in a major European League will be the next phase of the young player’s development. Whilst this loan is for 12 months there is a rumour that Alkmaar have in fact secured an option for a second year too.

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We wish Correia all the best in the Eredivisie and hope to see reports of his positive impact over the months to come.