A future Man City star? LA Galaxy wonderkid Alex Alcala set to join City Football Group

According to ESPN, Manchester City have acquired an option to purchase the Mexico youth international when he reaches the age of 18. Hailing from Stockton, California, the teenager is recognized as one of Mexico's brightest young prospects and was impressive during his two training stints with Manchester City. He also showed glimpses of brilliance while working with the ball at Barcelona's La Masia academy and at Pachuca in Mexico.

Alcala is part of Mexico's Under-16 youth national team and is also eligible to represent the United States. Currently, he is honing his skills in Galaxy's academy under the guidance of Juan Carlos Ortega as he is yet to sign a professional contract and has chosen to play locally in California.

Lauded as the "Mexican Messi" by some quarters of the press in Mexico, Alcala is praised for his technical prowess, adeptness at beating opponents, and his left-footed finesse. City will closely monitor his progress within the LA Galaxy ranks for the time being. Once he is 18, they can potentially trigger the buy-out clause for a certain undisclosed fee.

City are meticulously preparing for the future as they have already clinched a deal for Claudio Echeverri for £20 million ($25m) of River Plate who shone at the recent U17 World Cup. The Argentine starlet will remain at River Plate until the end of 2024 and will then make a stop-over at Girona before moving to England. It won't be surprising if Alcala follows a similar trajectory.