Why Reigan Heskey Left Manchester City to Join Bundesliga Following Sancho and Bellingham's Path
Reigan Heskey has chosen to leave Manchester City for a new challenge in the Bundesliga. The 18-year-old forward, whose father is former Liverpool and England striker Emile Heskey, explained to GOAL why this move was made. After impressing for England at U18 level, Reigan is following the footsteps of Jadon Sancho and Jude Bellingham, who also moved to Germany early in their careers.
Following Family and Club Connections
Both Reigan and his brother Jaden were part of City's academy system. Jaden had a loan stint at Sheffield Wednesday last season, and both brothers were highly rated at City. Still, breaking into the Premier League first team is difficult, so Reigan decided that summer 2026 was the right time to pursue opportunities elsewhere, stepping outside his comfort zone.
Sancho left City for Borussia Dortmund in 2017, with Bellingham joining Dortmund three years later. Jude Bellingham’s younger brother Jobe also took this route. Now Reigan has signed with FC Köln, with the transfer potentially worth up to £8 million ($11 million) including add-ons. He has made one senior appearance for City in the Carabao Cup.
Why Heskey Chose the Bundesliga Over Premier League Opportunities
"I think at 17, 18, if you’re ready to play first-team football and you’re not getting that and you inevitably won’t get it in England, you’ve got to go somewhere where there’s a proven track record. Germany looks like there’s a proven track record," Emile Heskey told GOAL while working with Premier League betting site BetWright."Our youth international players are fantastic, but the Germans keep giving them chances. Why aren’t we given the same opportunity in England? We shouldn’t have to go abroad, yet that’s what’s happening. We buy players from France and Germany at 20 or 21, but our own youngsters miss out despite beating those countries regularly at international level.""Players like Marc Guehi, seen as among the best young talents in Europe alongside Sancho and Phil Foden, didn’t get chances at clubs like Chelsea and had to leave. Others thrive in their home countries. England’s top league might be the best, but it limits young players’ chances to break through.""My son Jaden will soon be 20 or 21. I left for Liverpool at 22 after five seasons at Leicester. Many kids today miss key development years playing in under-21 teams. The EFL Trophy helps but only provides a few games," he added.
Reigan’s Experience and Future Prospects
Reigan played twice in the EFL Trophy last season for City against Bolton and Rotherham, and his only senior appearance came as a late substitute in a Carabao Cup match versus Huddersfield. His performances at the 2025 U17 World Cup, where he scored four goals, drew attention from several clubs.
Moving to Germany should give him more chances to play first-team football, something that was limited at Manchester City but vital for his development.
- Premier League: Manchester City
- Bundesliga: FC Köln
- Transfer Fee: Up to £8 million ($11 million) including add-ons
- Reigan’s Age: 18
- Senior Appearances for City: 1 (Carabao Cup)
- U17 World Cup Goals: 4
- Brother: Jaden Heskey (City academy, loaned to Sheffield Wednesday)
