Cambridge United complete signing of former Manchester City and Ipswich Town youngster Ben Knight after Real Murcia stint

Former Manchester City youngster Ben Knight has become Cambridge United’s first signing of the summer.

The 22-year-old, who was raised just nine miles away from the Cledara Abbey Stadium in the village of Reach, started his footballing journey with Burwell Tigers before switching to the academy at Ipswich Town.

Knight went on to join Pep Guardiola’s City in the summer of 2018 for a fee believed to be in the region of £1m and he made his one and only senior appearance three years later in the Community Shield, as well as going on two pre-season tours with the first-team squad.

Knight left City in 2024 and recently spent some time in Spain with Real Murcia before agreeing a one-year deal with the U’s.

The former Bottisham Village College pupil said: “I am really happy. Although it’s been a difficult period recently for me, I can’t say enough about how well the club have looked after me and I am determined to repay them now with my performances on the pitch.

“It is close to home and I have needed to enjoy my football again. I can’t wait to get started.”

Meanwhile, Cambridge boss Neil Harris added: “I am absolutely delighted to welcome Ben Knight to Cambridge United.

“He is a player that has trained with us at the end of last season as he was a local lad who just wants to play football with a smile on his face again.

“He has undoubted talent, ability and is extremely creative. He can play in various attacking positions for us and is a player I am really looking forward to working with.”

Knight will join up with his new team-mates when they return for pre-season training on 23 June.

Read more: The Cambridge Independent spoke to Ben Knight during his time in Spain with Real Murcia