Why Reigan Heskey Left Manchester City to Join Bundesliga Following Jude Bellingham and Jadon Sancho

Reigan Heskey, 18, has made the decision to leave Manchester City and pursue a new path in the Bundesliga. His father, former Liverpool and England striker Emile Heskey, explained the reasons behind this transfer in an interview with GOAL. The young forward, who has impressed at the U18 international level, is following the footsteps of stars like Jadon Sancho and Jude Bellingham by heading to Germany.

City Academy Background and Family Ties

Reigan and his brother Jaden have both been part of City's academy setup. Jaden spent time on loan at Sheffield Wednesday last season, and both brothers were well-regarded by the club. Yet, breaking into the first team at a Premier League giant remains difficult, prompting Reigan to explore opportunities elsewhere.

Following a Growing Trend Among English Talent

This move is not unique; several English youngsters have chosen the Bundesliga to gain first-team experience. Sancho left City for Borussia Dortmund in 2017, and Bellingham joined Dortmund three years later. Even Jude’s younger brother, Jobe, has taken this route.

Reigan, who made one senior appearance for City in the Carabao Cup, has now signed with FC Cologne. The transfer could eventually be worth up to £8 million ($11m) including add-ons.

Reasons Behind Choosing Germany Over England

"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," said Emile Heskey in conversation with GOAL and Premier League betting site BetWright.

He added that despite England producing fantastic youth talent internationally, many players don’t receive the chances they deserve domestically. Players like Marc Guehi had to leave big clubs like Chelsea to find first-team football elsewhere. This lack of opportunity forces youngsters to consider moves abroad.

Emile noted how many English talents are competing successfully against their European peers at youth levels but miss out on vital playing time. He highlighted that while the Premier League is the biggest and possibly best league, young English players often lose key development years playing in under-21 teams or reserves instead of senior football.

Reigan’s Early Career and Future Prospects

Last season, Reigan appeared twice in the EFL Trophy for Manchester City and made a brief senior appearance in a Carabao Cup match against Huddersfield. Now at FC Cologne, he hopes to enjoy more regular game time and prove himself.

The young winger caught attention at the 2025 U17 World Cup by scoring four goals, showing promise that was not fully tapped at City. Moving to Germany represents a chance to grow in a league known for nurturing young talent.

• Player: Reigan Heskey
• Age: 18
• Previous Club: Manchester City
• New Club: FC Cologne
• Transfer Fee: Up to £8 million ($11m) including add-ons
• Senior Appearances for City: 1 (Carabao Cup)
• EFL Trophy Appearances: 2
• Notable Youth Performance: 4 goals at 2025 U17 World Cup