Despite his young age, Wanderers’ new signing Luke Mbete has already had plenty of highs and lows in football. Here is everything you need to know about his career so far.

Youth Cup success

Mbete played the full 90 minutes in the 2020 FA Youth Cup final as City recorded a 2-0 win against Chelsea to lift the trophy.

James McAtee, Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer were all on target for the Sky Blues at St George’s Park, the home of the England national team.

Getting a taste of silverware at such a young age will have done the defender and his City team-mates a world of good.

First-team opportunities

Mbete is highly rated at City and was handed his senior debut in a Carabao Cup tie against Wycombe in September 2021, playing 79 minutes in total.

The youngster was also given an opportunity to experience Champions League football later that season, coming off the bench in a goalless draw against Sporting Lisbon.

There is enormous competition in City’s youth ranks and getting a taste of first-team football was a major feat for Mbete.

Tranmere red card

Mbete made three appearances for City’s Under-21 side in the Papa Johns Trophy during the 2020/21 campaign.

The defender was part of comfortable victories against Mansfield and Scunthorpe, but a trip to Tranmere proved to be less successful.

He was shown a straight red card following an altercation with Paul Lewis during a 2-1 defeat at Prenton Park.

International recognition

Having already featured at Under-19 level, Mbete earned a first call-up to the England Under-21 squad earlier this season.

The 19-year-old was joined by some impressive names in the squad including the likes of Anthony Gordon, Harvey Elliott and Conor Gallagher.

He made his debut in a 2-0 victory against Italy, replacing City team-mate Taylor Harwood-Bellis in the final stages. James Trafford was an unused substitute that day.

Injury scare

Mbete suffered a head injury after a sickening clash of heads with Andreas Christensen during a friendly against Barcelona at Camp Nou.

The youngster required 10 minutes of treatment on the pitch and spent a night under observation at Barcelona hospital.

Thankfully, it wasn’t too long before he was able to return to the pitch and continue his development.

Huddersfield frustration

City hoped Mbete would benefit from a loan spell in the Championship with Huddersfield but it didn’t quite go to plan.

The defender made just six first-team appearances in total, failing to nail down a place in the starting line-up.

However, Mbete believes he learned lots from the experience and the challenges he faced at the John Smith’s Stadium.