Manchester City‘s hierarchy have positioned themselves to sign talents from Troyes, a club with whom the Citizens share the same owner.
Top of Ligue 2, Troyes have something in common with Manchester City. For several years, ESTAC have shared the same owner as the Citizens, the City Football Group. Like the multi-ownership arrangement causing such a stir between Chelsea and Strasbourg, Troyes and Manchester have no trouble discussing and concluding transfer deals, with each club sending players to the other every window.
For the Aube-based club, the consequence is seeing their gems impress enough to give themselves a chance of one day heading across the Channel. Having started 10 times in Ligue 2 since the beginning of the 2025-26 season, young French forward Mathys Detourbet is attracting interest from Manchester City. A goalscorer in the Coupe de France with two assists in the league, the left winger, who is only 18, is also attracting interest from AS Monaco, Paris Saint-Germain and Olympique de Marseille.
Batola makes first ESTAC appearance
He is not the only one on the Premier League giants' radar. According to Team Talk, Manchester City are also closely monitoring Christ Batola's development. Just 16 years old, the French forward made his first appearance for his boyhood club this season, against Olympique Marcquois in the Coupe de France round of 64 (3-1).
Last November, Christ Batola scored France's opening goal under Lionel Rouxel against Chile (2-0) at the U17 World Cup, with the young French side subsequently losing to Brazil in the round of 16.
Transfer must wait until Batola turns 18
Although he has not yet played in Ligue 2, the Bondy native is a profile that appeals to Manchester City. However, a transfer for Christ Batola is not yet on the agenda as he will have to wait until he comes of age before considering a move across the Channel.
This article was originally published on Top Mercato.
