Champions League Winners Depart
Manchester City have bid farewell to 12 players so far in the summer transfer window, including four Champions League winners from their 2023 triumph. Bernardo Silva and John Stones left at the end of last season after their contracts expired. Silva has since joined Real Madrid, while Stones remains a free agent. Manuel Akanji, who spent last season on loan at Inter Milan, has been sold permanently to the Italian club for £13m. Nathan Ake has moved to Fenerbahce in a deal worth £7m, potentially rising to £8.5m with add-ons.
Academy Stars Sold with Buy-Back Clauses
City have continued their strategy of selling academy graduates who are not yet ready for the first team. Jahmai Simpson-Pusey has joined FC Koln for £4.7m, potentially rising to £6.4m, while Reigan Heskey also moved to Koln for £2.1m, potentially rising to £6.8m. Both deals include buy-back and matching rights clauses, allowing City to re-sign the players if they develop further.
Other Departures and Loans
Defender Isaac Smith has joined Barnsley for an undisclosed fee, and goalkeeper Oliver Whatmuff has agreed a loan move to Stockport County in League One. Sverre Nypan, who struggled on loan at Middlesbrough last season, has been sent on another temporary deal to Lommel, a City Football Group (CFG) club. Mathys Detourbet, who signed from CFG club Troyes for £21m this summer, has immediately been loaned to AS Monaco. Youngsters Ashton Muir and Ezra Carrington have left on free transfers.
Financial Impact
In total, Manchester City have generated £45.7m from player sales so far this summer, according to the club. This figure could rise with add-ons and future clauses. The departures come as City prepare for the Enzo Maresca era, with the new manager set to take charge for the 2026/27 season.
