Manchester City are facing a busy end to the summer transfer window, with less than five weeks remaining and at least four signings still needed. The Premier League season starts on August 22, and the club has several gaps to fill in the squad.
Midfield was the primary target entering the summer, followed by right-back and a forward. City have already signed Elliot Anderson for a club-record £116m, but further additions are required in all those areas, especially given uncertainty over Rodri and other midfielders.
Goalkeeper becomes priority after Trafford exit
The impending £40m sale of James Trafford to Leeds United has created an urgent need for a new goalkeeper. Trafford was effectively a No.1 for City last season, helping them win two cup competitions with the strongest goalkeeping pair in the league. His departure is a serious blow.
Finding a goalkeeper good enough to compete with Gianluigi Donnarumma but content as a backup is a difficult task. Hugo Viana's search for a replacement should be well advanced, as Trafford's desire to move was clear before the January window. City resisted then but knew a summer signing would be needed.
No names on the shortlist have emerged publicly, but the position is another outstanding item on City's transfer list. The decision to sign both Trafford and Donnarumma last summer has created additional work for Viana, not counting potential further departures.
Window expected to accelerate
Business is expected to pick up now the World Cup has ended and players return from holidays. Negotiations for Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi continue, and the search for a winger is accelerating. However, much work remains if City are to secure the players they need in the remaining five weeks of the window, and Trafford's departure increases the number of new arrivals required.
