Heaven Kilwa, 16, to join Manchester City academy from Aston Villa

On August 13, 2026, Manchester City agreed to sign 16-year-old winger Heaven Kilwa from Aston Villa, a move disclosed by journalist Fabrizio Romano. The player is set to move into Manchester City’s academy.

Kilwa’s contract with Aston Villa expired at the end of the season, clearing the way for the transfer. He left Villa after rejecting a scholarship offer and entered free agency. Enzo Maresca has identified Kilwa as a prospect for the future.

Kilwa is an English attacker who primarily operates on the left wing but is also capable of playing on the right or through the middle. He began his development within Aston Villa’s youth system and most recently featured for the Villa U-18 side. The club-recorded details show he has experience across Villa’s youth age groups.

Last season Kilwa made six appearances in the U18 Premier League, scoring two goals. He also recorded goals for both Villa’s U-16 and U-18 teams on the same day in October 2025. Those contributions formed part of his youth statistics for the campaign.

This summer Manchester City have spent heavily on established players while continuing to recruit young talent. The club signed Elliott Anderson from Nottingham Forest for £120m. Kilwa is the latest youngster to be added to City’s recruitment of academy prospects and is expected to move to the Etihad Stadium.

Kilwa has signed paperwork at Manchester City and the PL 5 step process is currently ongoing. Once completed, he will link up with City’s academy players including Stephen Mfuni, Ryan McAidoo and Mahamadou Sangare.