Manchester City’s Carabao Cup third-round tie away to Huddersfield Town tonight could mark a breakthrough for one of the club’s most exciting academy prospects, Divine Mukasa.
The 18-year-old midfielder, born in England to a Ugandan father and Lithuanian mother, is in line to make his competitive senior debut after travelling with the squad.
Pep Guardiola confirmed he will make sweeping changes to his starting eleven, opening the door for academy players to feature.
He explained that injuries have forced rotation but also create opportunities for youngsters to showcase their quality.
Mukasa, who trained with the senior squad during pre-season and featured in the 2-0 win over Palermo, is among those expected to benefit.
Supporters have been eager to see more of the midfielder since he announced himself with standout performances in the academy.
Mukasa scored 19 goals and added 16 assists in 30 Under-18 appearances last season, continuing his rapid rise after joining City from West Ham’s academy in September 2023.
His development has seen him compared to graduates like Phil Foden and Rico Lewis, with coaches praising his creativity, vision, and physical presence in midfield.
Mukasa has already represented England at youth level, playing in all matches of the UEFA U17 Championship.
However, since he hasn’t yet made a senior international, the midfielder could still feature for Uganda, his father’s country of origin.
The youngster has built a reputation for spectacular goals, including a hat-trick against Newcastle United Under-18s last December, where he scored from the halfway line.
Guardiola has long stressed the importance of giving academy players a pathway into the first team.
With Erling Haaland sidelined by a minor back injury and several senior players rested, tonight’s tie provides the platform for Mukasa to step onto the senior stage.
City face Huddersfield having scored 14 goals in their last three meetings, and progression to the fourth round will be the target as the draw awaits tomorrow.
For Mukasa, it is a chance to show why he is regarded as one of Manchester City’s next big prospects and why the club sees him as part of its long-term future.
