The City Football Group (CFG) has made another strategic power play in the global football market, securing Uruguayan second-division club Atletico Torque as the latest addition to their growing international network. This Mostplay exclusive breaks down how this acquisition positions CFG for dominance in South American talent development while creating new pathways for Manchester City’s future stars.
CFG’s South American Gambit: More Than Just Another Club Purchase
While casual observers might see this as simply another team added to CFG’s collection, our Mostplay analysts recognize this as a masterstroke in football infrastructure development. The Montevideo-based Atletico Torque becomes the eighth club in CFG’s portfolio, joining:
- Manchester City (Premier League)
- New York City FC (MLS)
- Melbourne City FC (A-League)
- Yokohama F. Marinos (J-League)
- Girona FC (La Liga)
- Sichuan Jiuniu (China League One)
- Mumbai City FC (Indian Super League)
The Hidden Value in Uruguay’s Second Division
Why would a football giant invest in a Uruguayan second-division side? Our Mostplay scouts identify three key strategic advantages:
- Talent Pipeline: Uruguay produces more elite players per capita than any other nation (2.5 World Cup players per million inhabitants)
- Cost Efficiency: Acquisition costs are minimal compared to European clubs, while youth development ROI is exceptionally high
- Geopolitical Positioning: Uruguay serves as an ideal hub for scouting across South America
“Uruguay punches far above its weight in player development,” notes Mostplay South American football expert Carlos Mendez. “This gives CFG first refusal on the next Luis Suárez or Darwin Núñez before European giants even know they exist.”
The Venezuela Connection: A Clever Secondary Play
Simultaneously, CFG announced a collaboration agreement with Atletico Venezuela, revealing a multi-pronged South American strategy:
| Partnership Type | Atletico Torque | Atletico Venezuela |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership | Full acquisition | Collaboration only |
| Primary Benefit | Player development | Scouting network |
| Secondary Gain | Administrative hub | Market intelligence |
This dual approach gives CFG both a development lab (Torque) and an extensive scouting network (Venezuela) across the continent.
CFG’s new acquisitions will help identify and develop South America’s next generation of stars
How This Benefits Manchester City Directly
While CFG’s network appears sprawling, every move ultimately serves Manchester City’s first team. Our Mostplay tactical analysts predict three immediate impacts:
- Accelerated Player Development: Young South American talents can now be nurtured in Uruguay before moving to Europe
- Enhanced Scouting: Double the regional presence means uncovering hidden gems before competitors
- Financial Flexibility: Player registration rights can be strategically managed across multiple leagues
CFG CEO Ferran Soriano emphasized this connectivity: “Torque becomes our South American hub, complementing our existing operations while creating new opportunities for talent identification.”
The Chinese Question: CFG’s Next Move?
Despite this South American focus, industry whispers suggest CFG hasn’t abandoned Chinese market ambitions. With Sichuan Jiuniu already in their stable, observers speculate about potential Super League acquisitions. However, our Mostplay sources indicate CFG may prefer organic growth in China rather than expensive top-flight purchases.
What This Means for Football’s Future
This acquisition signals football’s continuing globalization, where elite clubs no longer just buy players – they buy entire development ecosystems. As Mostplay global football editor notes: “The clubs that will dominate tomorrow’s game aren’t just building teams – they’re building continents.”
For Manchester City fans, this means a brighter future with first access to South America’s finest talents. For football purists, it raises questions about the sport’s increasing corporatization. One thing’s certain – CFG’s strategic vision continues to outpace competitors in the global football arms race.
Will Atletico Torque become South America’s next talent factory? Share your thoughts on CFG’s growing empire and how it might reshape global football in the comments below. For more in-depth analysis, follow Mostplay continuing coverage of football’s evolving landscape.
