Manchester City have already made a significant splash this summer, smashing their transfer record with the £116 million arrival of Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest. The Blues secured their top target early in the window and now aim to strengthen further, with several players facing uncertain futures as pre-season training approaches in less than a fortnight.
City's Transfer Plans and Potential Departures
City are expected to confirm the signing of Leicester City teenage sensation Jeremy Monga in the coming days. Manager Enzo Maresca's side is also looking to add a right back, a winger, and potentially another central midfielder. The latter two positions could be influenced by potential exits from the Etihad, with Nico Gonzalez, Rodri, Rico Lewis, and Savinho all possible departures.
At right back, City know what they want. Matheus Nunes enjoyed a breakthrough campaign last term and will start the season as first choice. However, the Blues want to add another option to support the Portugal international. They are currently looking to sign a promising talent who can grow into a first-team star.
Missed Targets and Alternative Options
City admired Marco Palestra, but the Atalanta defender has joined Chelsea for £47 million. Another target, Stamford Bridge right back Malo Gusto, is valued at £75 million, making a deal a non-starter at that price. So where next? We've scoured Europe for the best up-and-coming prospects who might fit the bill.
Givairo Read, Feyenoord
City are tracking the 20-year-old Dutchman, but they are not the only club monitoring him. Bayern Munich are also keen, along with plenty of other teams. Read has impressed with Feyenoord, getting forward well, comfortable on the ball, and not shirking his defensive duties. A cluster of clubs will vie for his signature, with a reported price tag of £25 million.
Martim Fernandes, Porto
The 20-year-old is first choice at Porto and has already made more than 60 senior appearances, including in the Europa League and the Club World Cup. He is arguably the most attack-minded full-back on this list, offering a real attacking threat down the flank and comfortable coming into midfield—a tactic City often used under Pep Guardiola. Under a long-term contract in Portugal, he looks destined for the top.
Alex Freeman, Villarreal
The USA international has enjoyed a fine tournament on home soil, impressing at right back for Mauricio Pochettino's men. He gets forward well, is good on the ball, and has pace to burn. After breaking through in Major League Soccer, he joined La Liga side Villarreal in January and is under a long-term contract in Spain. He would be expensive, but the 21-year-old has shown himself on the global stage this summer.
Pedro Lima, Wolves
At 20, Lima showed flashes of the ability that made him one of the hottest talents when he moved to Molineux two years ago, despite Wolves' relegation to the Championship. Wolves recalled him from a loan spell in Portugal, and he featured regularly in the second half of the season, making 10 appearances in all competitions. His Premier League exposure is a welcome benefit for a player comfortable on the ball who has represented Brazil at age-group level.
Elias Baum, Eintracht Frankfurt
Something of a wildcard, Baum made only five appearances in the Bundesliga last season, all from the bench. He has been capped by Germany at Under-21 level and is highly rated in his homeland. A bold selection given his raw talent and limited senior exposure, but his underlying skillset highlights his potential.
