Real Murcia Complete Signing of Exciting 22-Year-Old

Spanish third-tier side Real Murcia have announced the signing of winger Ben Knight from Manchester City.

The Cambridge-born 22-year-old spent six years with the champions, representing England at Under 17 and Under 18 level. He now moves to Spain to look to develop his career with Murcia, eight-time winners of Spain’s second tier.

“Real Murcia CF announces the signing of Ben Leo Knight to reinforce the right wing for the 2024/2025 season,” they announced on their website.

“The player is still waiting to pass the relevant medical examinations and obtain international clearance before being signed.

“The club would like to welcome Ben Knight and wish him the best of luck in this new stage that he is beginning with us.”

The youngster started his career as a youth at Ipswich before being snatched up by Man City in 2018. He made his only competitive appearance for Man City as a second-half substitute in the 2021 Community Shield, replacing Cole Palmer in the 1-0 defeat to Leicester City. After that, he joined Crewe Alexandra on loan before injuries forced him to return to Manchester after just six outings. He spent the final few months of the 2023/24 campaign on loan at Stockport County in League Two without appearing.

Pimentoneros finished seventh in the Primera Federación last season, falling short of their promotion aspirations. They showed strong defensive capabilities, conceding just 38 goals in 38 matches, which tied them for the fourth-best defensive record in the league. However, their attack struggled, also managing only 38 goals, the lowest among the top ten teams.

Murcia was last in La Liga in 2008 but has not enjoyed back-to-back seasons in the top flight since the late eighties. They did win the Copa Federación de España in 2020, their most recent trophy.

Site Opinion

Knight certainly has the right pedigree, but he’s one of the players who has fallen through the cracks in England.

While talented players can thrive in academy football, it doesn’t quite prepare them for the rigours of aggressive, senior football in the lower leagues. It’s why a number of young players seek their fortune abroad, where there’s a little more time on the ball.

Knight has the qualities to create and score. Will he be able to make those count in Spain’s third tier and put Murcia back at a level they feel they belong? Only time will tell.