Namisi Scouted by Man City & Played in Academy Game
Table topping Manchester City invited Rayyan Namisi to train with their u16’s this month, as they looked to add to their already impressive academy.
Rayyan, who turns 15 in May, was scouted by four clubs at our Manchester trial in December last year, when he and his brother attended, despite never having played for a pro club before.
Shortly after our event, we informed Rayyan’s family that he had received interest from two top Premier League clubs, a Championship side and a club in League One – it was Man City that made the first move, as Rayyan’s dad explained.
“He was in at City for a week in January, training on Monday and Tuesday and he played in a game for the u16’s on Friday,” said his dad, “He came on as a sub in centre-mid and started well.
“This was his first time at any professional club, he found it very inviting and it was an insight to see how it works at that level.
He added: “It was an experience he valued so much, it was fantastic and the facilities are top class – we were given tickets to go and watch a first team game too, the club treated us really well.”
Despite impressing during both training and the match, Rayyan was told the club would not be signing him.
Man City scout Andy Baker, who was at our trial in Stockport, explained: “He was slightly too old for us in the end, he’s only 14 months away from scholarship age and we had to make that decision, if he was a year younger we’d have taken him in for a six-week-trial.
“In the game against a local academy he did very well, it was a good test,” he added.
“He started off as the attacking midfielder in a 4-3-3 formation and his work ethic was great, getting from box to box. In the second half we changed it so he was playing more defensive and that suited him better, he had a bit more time on the ball.”
Andy continued: “Hopefully he can find a club, there were a few other clubs interested at UK Football Trials and I’ve spoken to them about his situation, so maybe something will come from it.”
Rayyan has since returned home to Germany, where he has lived since 2007 and started his football career when he was 11-years-old.
“He trains two or three times a week and has a game on weekends, as well as going to the gym sometimes,” said his dad.
“It wasn’t until recently that he actually started playing football, and then a family friend came to UK Football Trials and signed for a Premier League team, so we had a look online and decided to come and give it a go ourselves.
He added: “We’re still waiting to hear from some of the other clubs that were interested on the day, so we will see what happens, but Rayyan and his brother want to come back again.”
Everyone at UK Football Trials would like to congratulate Rayyan on being selected for a trial at Manchester City, and we wish him and his brother every success going forward.