Manchester City will not block a January transfer for Jayden Braaf as the promising winger looks for a new challenge that would draw a line under his difficult time at the club.
Braaf, 19, has seen his career stall as he enters the final six months of his contract at the Etihad after a serious injury wrecked his chances of impressing in 2021. There is interest from a number of clubs abroad and Braaf is keen to find a move as soon as possible to kickstart his development and get regular game time.
A permanent move could materialise in the January transfer window, with interested parties aware that they can get a cut-price deal for a youngster who previously invited comparisons to Jayden Sancho and Memphis Depay. If not, Braaf will be available on a free transfer in summer.
Despite a bright start to life in the City academy following a move three years ago, including being named the Under-23s Players' Player of the Year in 2020, the teenager grew frustrated at his lack of first team opportunities under Pep Guardiola.
After being frozen out of the Under-23s side months after picking up that accolade and weeks after contributing to the club's first FA Youth Cup title in a decade, the Dutch youngster moved to Serie A side Udinese on a six-month loan move with an option to buy for £9m at the end of the season.
Braaf made his professional debut and scored his first senior goal on his fourth appearance for the Italian side before cruelly suffering knee ligament damage that required surgery and ended his football for the year and his hopes of a permanent move.
The tricky forward is hoping to return to full fitness in February as he continues his rehabilitation but has welcomed interest ahead of the January window as he plans for the future, with City willing to sign off a deal.
