Man City and the ADUG Takeover: Goodbye to the Best Academy in England?

So, Manchester City fans around the world jumped with joy after the news of their recent takeover by the Abu Dhabi United Group. Exciting news indeed.

However, beneath the stacks of money, Brazilian superstars, and dreams of Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo in the blue jersey, lies the possibility of a tragedy.

The possible tragedy is one which would be a disaster to Manchester City as a club. It would also be a disaster to the England national side and more importantly, a downward turn for English football in general.

If Manchester City's new owners are intent on putting together a "dream team", then the tragedy I speak of will be the destruction of one of the best academies in the country. An academy which has produced more than 20 first-team footballers in recent years, one that is the envy of some of England's more elite clubs.

Of course I can understand the exhilaration felt by City fans after the club was bought and enriched with the wealth of the new owners. The effect can already be seen with the better-late-than never acquisition of world-class superstar Robinho.

However you have to wonder how this will effect the careers of the promising youngsters who hope to find themselves in the Manchester City starting eleven in the next few years.

These young and hungry players have become a tradition at City and although they are not the trophy hauling team like rivals Manchester United, they can boast about one thing which the Red Devil faithful cannot—homegrown English talent in an abundance.

You need only look at their wonderful talent in the team, and when you realise the players (both now and in recent years) that actually rose through the ranks to the first team, it really hits home how good it is. Bradley and Shaun Wright Phillips are both very successful, Shaun more so—he has become an established international who looks set for great things.

Stephen Ireland has cemented his place in the Manchester City midfield, and is one of the best midfielders in the EPL. A tad egotistical you might say, but you cant deny his talents.

Names that really stand out are Nedum Onuoha, Daniel Sturridge, Michael Johnson, and of course Micah Richards. These four players are some of the most coveted in England. Micah Richards looks like a world class defender in the making, and already has the quality to warrant a place in the Manchester United or Chelsea starting eleven, never mind City's.

Daniel Sturridge is slowly bursting onto the scene, and has already been linked with city rivals Manchester United and London giants Chelsea. The powerful and pacey striker has all the attributes to become a great.

Michael Johnson is one of the most exciting talents in the world right now and the industrious and creative midfielder was close to a summer move to either Arsenal or Everton. There are already whispers of him becoming an automatic starter for England in the future, and he has even been touted as captain material.

Other successful promotions from youth to stardom include Ishmael Miller, Willo Flood, Lee Croft, Dixon and Kevin Etuhu, and Shalugm Logan.

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?