Man City EDS embrace lower expectations after academy departures

Manchester City's Elite Development Squad have won the Premier League 2 for the last two seasons, first under Enzo Maresca and then last year under Brian Barry-Murphy. As Pep Guardiola's first team strive for three in a row, what chance do the Under-21s have of continuing their streak?

"Yeah, that won't happen," the coach tells the Manchester Evening News . And, despite a hugely impressive 3-0 win over Liverpool in their opening game, you can see why he says it.

It has been a landmark summer for the academy, with numerous deals raising significant fees for the club that have helped contribute towards the evolution of the first team. Romeo Lavia and Gavin Bazunu have joined Southampton for eight-figure sums and plenty more have moved elsewhere after being recognised for their potential in a winning academy.

Also read: Inside the training camp where first team trio stunned Man City academy

Those that haven't moved permanently are still beyond youth football now. Cole Palmer was named the best player in the league two years ago as Liam Delap smashed the goalscoring record before James McAtee succeeded Palmer last season; Delap is set to follow McAtee out on loan while Palmer is so established in the first team he is not expected to play for the Under-21s again.

It isn't just those players but also ones who haven't had as high a profile but have still moved on; Kwaku Oduroh joined Derby in the summer while Luca Barrington has headed to Brighton a month after signing a professional deal at the club. While Rico Lewis and Josh Wilson-Esbrand may drop down from the first team to feature, the pool of players moving into the Under-21s from either the senior side or the Under-18s has considerably shrunk.

"I didn't really