European champions Manchester City have beaten Tottenham Hotspur and Nottingham Forest in the race to sign history-making English-born Nigerian midfielder Sam Tinubu.
Tinubu 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.
The left-footed central midfielder, who can also play as a center back, has agreed terms to join Premier League giants Manchester City after winding down his contract at newly promoted League One club Stevenage.
However, Stevenage would be due for 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.
The 18-year-old will formalize 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 pounds plus performance-related add-ons from Tottenham Hotspur back in February but the north London club thought they could sign him on 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.
