Manchester City youngster Jayden Braaf is reportedly facing an uncertain future with the Citizens after he was left ‘frustrated’ by being left out of first-team training.
According to Manchester Evening News, the 17-year-old was hoping to be promoted to the senior squad for training ahead of the Premier League’s restart later this month. Despite youngsters such as Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Tommy Doyle, and Felix Nmecha all having been spotted in first-team training in recent weeks, it doesn’t look as if the Dutch winger will be breaking into Pep Guardiola’s squad anytime soon, as he has reportedly been told not to report for training until July 6.
The report suggests that although Braaf is not anticipating any first-team football, he is frustrated, as when he was signed he was promised first-team opportunities if he developed, and feels that first-team training is a stepping stone in his development.
TIF Thoughts…
Manchester City signed the youngster from PSV Eindhoven in 2018 on a free transfer (per Transfermarkt). And he has impressed in his time in the youth teams at the Manchester club; contributing nine goals in 16 appearances in the Premier League 2 so far this season (per Transfermarkt).
Do you agree with Guardiola's decision to snub Braaf?
Yes, he's too young
No, he deserves a chance
It is perhaps surprising that Braaf looks set to miss out on some first-team opportunities between now and the end of the Premier League season, as Guardiola’s side, like everyone else, will face a hectic schedule.
The Premier League also announced recently that clubs would be permitted to make five substitutions per game, which suggests that more youngsters would be given a chance in games, but it seems as if Braaf will have to wait until next season at least to make his mark in the senior side at City.