Manchester City were busy in the summer transfer window. Still, the majority of their business involved facilitating departures, with the reigning Premier League champions making only two additions to their playing squad before the end of the window.
City’s approach to the transfer market this summer was simple and practical – major departures would trigger major acquisitions. For a club that has already secured four consecutive Premier League titles and boasts one of the most talented squads across Europe, this approach seemed quite reasonable.
For major parts of the summer window, City was faced with uncertainty regarding the futures of Ederson Moraes, Bernardo Silva, and Kevin De Bruyne. However, they managed to weather the storms and retain all three players, undoubtedly a huge positive for Pep Guardiola and the Etihad faithful.
As has been the case over the past four seasons, Manchester City are once again the favourites to win the Premier League and it would take a serious challenge for anyone to topple them this time around.
To that effect, Manchester City tickets will once again see a surge in demand as many will be eager to see if they can live up to their usual standards.
In this article, we shall be analyzing the sporting and financial merits and demerits of all the major deals, including arrivals and departures, completed by the reigning Premier League champions this summer.
Arrivals
Savinho joined the Cityzens from French club side ES Troyes for a €25 million fee. The 20-year-old winger spent the 2023/2024 season on loan at Girona where he greatly impressed, earning himself a call-up to Brazil’s Copa America squad. Savinho has settled right into Guardiola’s system, proving to be a shrewd addition as he undeniably strengthens City’s attacking options down the flanks.
Their second summer acquisition is former captain Ilkay Gundogan, who rejoined the Sky Blues after leaving just over a year ago. The experienced German’s return gives Guardiola an extra option in the middle of the park as he can play in a more advanced position and also provide more than decent cover for Rodri.
Furthermore, Gundogan’s leadership, experience, and familiarity with Guardiola’s tactical methods and demands make him a remarkable addition to City. When we also consider the fact that the English champions didn’t have to spend to get him back, it’s fair to say that they got all the goods in this deal.
Gundogan is someone who already knows the Premier League in and out and will not need to adapt in any way.
Departures
City’s most notable and perhaps surprising departure this summer was that of Argentine center forward Julian Alvarez, who decided to switch from Manchester for Madrid after two trophy-laden years at the Etihad. The 24-year-old, who spent the last couple of years playing second fiddle to City goal-machine Erling Haaland, has now joined Atletico Madrid in the hopes of getting more minutes on the pitch. Guardiola admitted himself on the last day of the transfer window that this deal took him somewhat by surprise but it just seems like Atleti’s €75 million offer was too good to pass up.
Joao Cancelo also secured a permanent move away from the Etihad after spending the last two seasons away on loan at Bayern Munich and Barcelona respectively. The 30-year-old, who fell out of favour at City in the 2022/2023 season, joined Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal for a €25 million fee. Spanish left-back Sergio Gomez completed a €10 million move to Real Sociedad after failing to fulfill his potential in England.
Other notable exits from the Manchester City ranks include Liam Delap to Ipswich Town for a €17 million fee that could potentially rise to about €22 million through add-ons. City retain a 20 percent sell-on as well as a buy-back clause. Kalvin Philips also joined the Tractor Boys on a season-long loan and Maximo Perrone joined Como. Meanwhile, Yan Cuto left for Borussia Dortmund on a season-long loan with a €30 million obligation to buy, included in the deal while Taylor Hardwood-Bellis moved to Southampton for €23 million.
Takeaways
Guardiola seems to have gained more dependable players, with Gundogan and Savinho certainly fitting into that category. In addition, Rico Lewis and Oscar Bobb have made significant progress since last season and have shown that they are capable of playing key roles for the champions this season. Nico O’Reilly and James McAtee have also stepped up as first-team options, which could prove essential in this long campaign.
While this can be viewed as a positive window, it is worthy of note that a core part of City’s playing squad have entered their 30s. The likes of Ederson Moraes, Bernardo Silva, Kevin De Bryune, Kyle Walker, Matteo Kovacic, and Ilkay Gundogan have all hit age 30 or beyond. The City hierarchy may need to start looking at possible replacements for these players soon.
The Cityzens also have a huge void to fill upfront, due to the departure of Alvarez and they will have to wait until January at least, to try and find a natural backup for Haaland. City’s decision not to sign an immediate replacement for the departed Alvarez could potentially define their season.
In the event of an injury to Haaland, it begs one to wonder how they plan to cope in his absence. Perhaps, they are confident in their ability to switch from their current ‘focal-point’ style of play to a much more free-flowing false nine system – an approach that has worked for them in the past.
On the financial side of things, Manchester City has impressively recorded significant profits for the third summer running. The Premier League champions sold players for an initial €173 million this summer while spending only €25 million, resulting in a €146 million profit, with an additional €67 million potentially from add-ons. These figures reaffirm that City is truly at the top of its game, and when the time comes to refresh the squad, there will undoubtedly be funds available.