Third Man City summer exit confirmed as midfielder joins Greater Manchester club

Lewis Fiorini has completed a permanent move to Stockport County from Manchester City.

The 22-year-old came through the Blues’ youth ranks but never played a senior game for the club. Fironi spent last season on loan at Charlton Athletic where he made just five appearances for the club during a spell that was blighted by injury.

That’s been a recurring theme over recent years for Fironi, who also spent time at NAC Breda, Lincoln City and Blackpool on short-term deals. But he has now permanently departed City, the club he first signed for at the age of six.

The Premier League champions could earn up to £1m in the deal, while a sell-on percentage of any future transfer has also been included. Fiorini has been capped by England and Scotland at underage level and operates mainly as an attacking midfielder.

“Lewis is another player that we’ve had a longstanding interest in trying to bring in, so to finally have him is really pleasing,” Stockport manager Dave Challinor told the club’s website. “He had a frustrating season last year with some injuries but he’s a player with a really high ceiling and huge potential, who has trained with and learned from the best over his time at Manchester City.

“Technically he is fantastic, and he will undoubtedly be a huge addition to our squad. For a young player to have the experience he has in the Championship, League One, international Football and in another country is rare, and we feel he can have a real impact over the next few years.”

Fironi is the third departure this summer following the sales of Tommy Doyle and Taylor Harwood-Bellis to Wolverhampton Wanderers and Southampton respectively.