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Why Reigan Heskey Moved from Man City to Bundesliga, Following Paths of Sancho and Bellingham

The young forward Reigan Heskey has left Manchester City for a new opportunity in Germany. His father, former Liverpool and England striker Emile Heskey, shared with GOAL the reasons behind this decision. At just 18 years old, Reigan is following the footsteps of Jadon Sancho and Jude Bellingham by taking his talents to the Bundesliga.

Brothers Both Developed at Manchester City

Reigan trained in the Manchester City academy alongside his brother Jaden Heskey, who spent last season on loan at Sheffield Wednesday. Both players were highly rated within the club, yet breaking into City's first team remains a tough challenge due to fierce competition.

Recognizing the limited chances for senior appearances, Reigan chose the summer of 2026 to pursue a different path. Moving to Germany represents stepping well outside his usual environment to gain vital first-team experience.

Following Sancho and Bellingham’s Bundesliga Path

This route isn’t new for English youngsters. Jadon Sancho left City’s youth ranks to join Borussia Dortmund in 2017. Three years later, Jude Bellingham followed him to Signal Iduna Park, with Jude’s brother Jobe also making the switch.

Now, Heskey has joined FC Köln. The transfer could be valued up to £8 million ($11 million) including add-ons. Despite only one Carabao Cup appearance for City, he’s eager to prove himself on German soil.

Emile Heskey on Why Reigan Chose Germany Over England

“At 17, 18, if you're ready for first-team football but not getting it in England, you have to go somewhere with a proven track record. Germany shows that,” Emile said during an interview with GOAL in partnership with BetWright.

He pointed out how England’s youth international stars often don’t receive the chances they deserve in their home country. “We shouldn’t have to go abroad to get opportunities, but that’s what’s happening,” Emile added.

He highlighted the paradox of England buying young players from countries like France and Germany, while some talented English youngsters struggle to break through at home despite competing internationally against them.

Emile also mentioned other players like Marc Guehi, who left Chelsea to find regular football elsewhere, unlike peers thriving in their own nations. He emphasized that England’s league may be the biggest and best, but young players miss crucial development time playing mainly in under-21 teams rather than senior matches.

“My son [Jaden] is almost 21. I left for Liverpool at 22 after five seasons at Leicester. Many kids now miss important learning years at 18, 19, 20 playing mostly in the 21s,” Emile explained.

Limited Senior Experience at City

Reigan made two appearances in the EFL Trophy last season versus Bolton and Rotherham but only saw senior action when coming off the bench for seven minutes in a Carabao Cup match against Huddersfield.

The move to Germany should provide more consistent game time. Reigan impressed many at the 2025 U17 World Cup, scoring four goals, showing promise that he hopes to fulfill in the Bundesliga.

  • Premier League: Manchester City
  • Transfer Date: Summer 2026
  • New Club: FC Köln
  • Transfer Value: Up to £8 million ($11 million) including add-ons
  • Senior Appearances for City: 1 (Carabao Cup)
  • International Highlight: 4 goals at 2025 U17 World Cup

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