Man City will offer contract to Nigerian teenage midfield sensation Sam Tinubu

MANCHESTER City have beaten Tottenham Hotspur and Nottingham Forest in the race to sign English-born Nigerian midfielder Sam Tinubu who is set to sign his first formal contract with the club this summer4.

Tinubu, 18, became the youngest-ever player to represent Stevenage in the Football League when the academy product made his senior debut against Oldham Athletic on October 16, 2021 at the age of 17 years and 18 days. A left-footed central midfielder, who can also play as a centre back, he has agreed terms to join City after winding down his contract at newly promoted League One club Stevenage.

However, Stevenage would be due compensation from the Citizens as Tinubu is under the age of 24 and was offered a three-year deal to extend his stay at the Lamex Stadium but he turned down the offer. Tinubu will now formalise his transfer to Manchester City by putting pen to paper on a contract when he comes back from holiday.

Tottenham Hotspur were earlier in pole position to sign Tinubu but were caught off guard by Manchester City. Stevenage were demanding £300, 000 plus performance-related add-ons from Tottenham Hotspur back in February but the north London club thought they could sign him in cheaper terms at the end of the season and that indecision allowed Manchester City to steal a march.

Tinubu was at Nottingham Forest for transfer talks but the two-time European champions did not agree a fee with Stevenage. Cashing in on the prevarication of all the other suitors, triple champion Man City have moved in and hopefully Tinubu will play a role in their title defences next season.