Manchester City have already secured their biggest transfer of the summer window with a club-record £116million deal for Elliot Anderson. However, significant work remains as the new Premier League season approaches, with the midfield lineup still unclear when the campaign kicks off in late August.
Midfield Departures and Contract Doubts
Bernardo Silva has left on a free transfer, and doubts surround four current midfielders: Nico Gonzalez, Tijjani Reijnders, Rodri, and Mateo Kovacic. The latter two are entering the final year of their contracts. Incoming boss Enzo Maresca faces decisions on how many of these players to keep or retain, which will shape City's activity in the transfer market.
Transfer Targets and Interest
Given the fluid situation, City hold interest in several midfield players they are ready to pursue under the right conditions. Targets include Sandro Tonali, also wanted by Tottenham, and Moroccan teenager Ayyoub Bouaddi. Additionally, the club is looking to sign a right-back this summer. Recent weeks have revealed their stance: they liked Marco Palestra but were unwilling to challenge Chelsea's £45m valuation, and they balked at Malo Gusto's £75m asking price at Stamford Bridge.
Right-Back and Other Positions
Matheus Nunes has been backed as City's first-choice right-back, meaning any new signing would compete for the shirt rather than automatically replace the Portugal international. The price bracket for a new right-back will reflect that competition. Savinho and James Trafford are among the players most likely to leave, with Tottenham interested in the Brazilian winger and Trafford expected to have several options after the World Cup. City will need replacements if either departs and are monitoring both positions.
Interest in Other Players and Loans
Ruben Dias and Omar Marmoush have attracted interest from other clubs, while Jack Grealish and Kalvin Phillips are expected to be offloaded again. Vitor Reis hopes to return to the squad after a successful loan at Girona, and loans are planned for Claudio Echeverri and Sverre Nypan. Midfield remains the priority for sporting director Hugo Viana, even if much effort may focus on players already at the club.
Window Pace and Strategy
City were keen to make Anderson a statement signing and want to build on that to give Maresca's era a strong start. The World Cup has delayed business, but the pace of the window is expected to accelerate from mid-July when teams return for pre-season. City were active until the final day last summer and are prepared to go late again as they monitor several active situations.
