Football
Richard Jolly, ESPN.com writer 9y

Man City youngster Brandon Barker signs new five-year deal

Manchester City have given the highly rated youngster Brandon Barker a new five-year contract in a sign they believe he could break into their first team.

The England Under-18 international midfielder, who featured for City on their preseason tour of Australia, entering the last 12 months of his previous deal but has now committed his future until 2020.

Barker, who has a fine goalscoring record at junior levels, helped City reach the final of the FA Youth Cup last season.

"This was the perfect time for me to sign the new contract," Barker told City's official website. "Preseason has gone really well and it was really good to go away with the first team.

"It was good to challenge for minutes on the pitch, even though it's not that easy with a team full of world-class players so this season I want to really put my name out there and show everyone what I'm capable of.

"The manager has told all the young players that if we impress him, we will be given an opportunity. I need to impress in training and, just like the other lads coming through at the club, I need to take the chance when it comes along. That's exactly what I intend to do."

Barker is set to be part of Patrick Vieira's Elite Development Squad this season but said he would welcome the chance to get first-team football elsewhere.

"If I do spend time out on loan, I'll do my best to help that club while bringing my own game on," he added. "If that happens, I'll grow as a player and then I can use that to benefit my future at City -- the end goal will always be geared to progressing here."

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