Manchester City are bracing for a hectic end to the transfer window as they prepare for a pivotal summer. With the Community Shield against Arsenal in 10 days and the Premier League season starting a week later, the club still has significant work to do in the market.
Early Business and Ongoing Uncertainty
The club record arrival of Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest was wrapped up early, but question marks remain over several positions. Director of football Hugo Viana and manager Enzo Maresca are working together for the first time as City aim to modify their squad and hit the ground running in a new era following Pep Guardiola's departure.
The World Cup has affected the transfer market, and City, like most clubs, have plenty of business to do. Savinho and Tijjani Reijnders have been linked with exits, with Tottenham keen on the former and Nottingham Forest reportedly targeting the latter. Maresca has not confirmed either will stay, and the pair could fetch a combined £120 million.
Outgoings and Incomings
James Trafford is also set to depart, with Leeds United closing in on a £40 million move for the goalkeeper. There remains uncertainty around Rodri amid interest from Real Madrid and Barcelona.
These exits necessitate arrivals. City need a new number two keeper, with Marseille veteran Geronimo Rulli a target, and they continue to work on a deal for Lille prospect Ayyoub Bouaddi. The Blues have also been linked with Chelsea winger Pedro Neto, who would reportedly fetch around £70 million.
Pedro Neto Debate
The prospect of signing the Portugal international has divided opinion among fans. While the 26-year-old would be a step up on Savinho, the potential price tag and his injury record mean the jury is out. It's hard to see Neto getting into the first XI, and while he would add depth, it may not be the move that propels City closer to champions Arsenal.
Maresca knows Neto well, and he is clearly talented, but judgement can only be made down the line. This deal feels crucial for Viana as he approaches the end of his third window at City. The 43-year-old has been proactive in the market, and the January additions of Marc Guehi and Antoine Semenyo should be factored into assessing the summer window, as they were essentially signed ahead of time.
Balancing Act Ahead
City have an XI capable of challenging the best, but the challenge for Viana is to make the leap from contenders to champions in the Premier League while finding the right signings at the right price. The Blues could easily rake in £160 million from the sales of Savinho, Reijnders, and Trafford, and spending that wisely is the key.
