After Antoine Semenyo was announced as manager Pep Guardiola’s first signing of the summer, Lawrence has been sent in the opposite direction as he joins League One side Luton.
The 20-year-old has been a key player for the City youth sides since joining the club from Everton and has also impressed for England’s youth sides, including a performance where he bagged 4 goals against Gibraltar U21s.
Wilshire knew of Lawrence's qualities
Speaking on the move, manager Jack Wilshire said he knew of Lawrence’s qualities and that’s why he made the move to bring him in.
“I’ve known of Emilio through the years in my time in academy football. He was at Everton and then City signed him, as they recognised him as one of the best players in the country at that age.
“Coming through the City system, he has an understanding of what is required from a winger at the top level, and a lot of quality. He can play through the middle, or off either side, but he’s more comfortable off the left coming in on his right foot.
“Of course, he still has to develop and that is part of the reason why we brought him here, to help him with that. But he has also come to help us win some games.
“I speak all the time about having variation in attack, and we have had a lot of success down our left side this year, but Emilio is someone who can give us something a bit different.”
Commenting on the switch to League One, Lawrence said that it was Wilshire who persuaded him that the move was right for him.
“Jack was very straightforward with me and said, ‘I just want you to come here, be yourself, express yourself on the pitch, take people on and be confident’. It gives me a push to know that backing is there from the manager.”