£300 Million Spend, Right-Back Question, Big Exits: Manchester City’s Next Transfer Window
As Manchester City prepare for the 2025/26 season, the blueprint for another era of domestic and European dominance is already being sketched out. Though Pep Guardiola’s men have just come off the back of another successful campaign, the margins at the top of football are razor-thin—and City’s hierarchy knows standing still is not an option.
With reports suggesting that City could sanction up to £300 million in transfers this summer, the club’s next window is set to be both expansive and decisive. From key squad reinforcements to potentially major departures, and long-standing questions at right-back, this window could shape the club’s identity for the next five years.
The Context: Evolution, Not Revolution
Manchester City are not in crisis. They are not rebuilding. But they are, unmistakably, entering a phase of evolution. The club’s average squad age has risen, key players are edging past 30, and Guardiola himself is entering the final stretch of his contract.
Yet, this is precisely the point when elite clubs look inward. In typical City fashion, this window will be more about strategic foresight than panic purchases. However, several developments—both expected and potentially disruptive—could result in a flurry of activity.
The £300 Million Question: War Chest or Necessity?
The figure of £300 million being made available isn’t just headline fluff. It reflects the reality of both squad needs and the rising cost of elite players in today’s market. But such spending won’t happen without outgoings to match.
City are expected to be active on multiple fronts:
Midfield reinforcement, particularly with Kevin De Bruyne aging and İlkay Gündoğan never truly replaced.
A versatile right-back, given the persistent lack of a specialist in that position.
A forward or wide player, especially if any senior attackers depart.
A new centre-back, depending on Aymeric Laporte’s successor settling and John Stones’ long-term fitness.
City have the funds, but their recruitment team—led by Txiki Begiristain—will prioritize quality and system fit over quantity. The club’s net spend has often been surprisingly modest due to profitable sales from the academy and fringe players. But this window might tilt the balance.
The Right-Back Conundrum
Despite Guardiola’s tactical genius, the right-back position remains an unresolved issue. João Cancelo’s fall from grace, Kyle Walker’s advancing age, and the lack of a natural heir have left City improvising.
Rico Lewis has impressed as an inverted full-back, but he’s still young and may eventually shift into midfield full-time. Walker, while still reliable in big games, cannot play every three days, and his contract is winding down. Manuel Akanji and John Stones have been used in hybrid roles, but neither is a true solution.
Names like Jeremie Frimpong, Yan Couto (currently returning from Girona), and Reece James have been floated. The ideal candidate must blend:
1v1 defending
Technical proficiency to invert into midfield
Explosiveness in transition
Given Guardiola’s tactical system, the right-back often becomes a deep-lying playmaker or secondary pivot. It’s one of the most nuanced roles in his team—and this summer may finally be the moment City address it directly.
Potential Big Exits
For every headline about a £100 million signing, there’s the other side of the coin: who leaves?
Several high-profile names could depart this summer—either to seek more minutes or as part of the club’s squad renewal plan.
Kevin De Bruyne
Perhaps the most emotionally charged question of all. De Bruyne is 33, has battled injuries, and is rumored to be considering a move to Saudi Arabia or MLS. While Guardiola would ideally want him to stay one more season, City are aware that a major offer—and the player’s personal preferences—could make this summer the right time to part ways.
If De Bruyne does leave, it changes the entire transfer strategy. City would need a creative fulcrum—possibly someone like Florian Wirtz, Bruno Guimarães, or even an internal promotion for Phil Foden in a central role.
Bernardo Silva
The saga never ends. Every summer, Bernardo is linked with a move back to Portugal or to Barcelona. His release clause (around £50–60 million) makes him an affordable target for top clubs, and his versatility would be hard to replace.
Yet, City have prepared for this—last season’s contract extension was designed to give him flexibility. If he does leave, expect two signings to replace his impact: one technical, one physical.
Jack Grealish or Julián Álvarez?
While both have publicly committed to the club, whispers of frustration over game time—particularly from Álvarez—could result in a shock exit if a mega offer comes in.
Grealish, who struggled for fitness and form, could be sacrificed if a top winger (like Michael Olise or Jamal Musiala) becomes available. Álvarez, meanwhile, has admirers across Europe and may not settle for a backup role again.
Fringe Players and Academy Sales
City’s ability to sell well is underrated. Kalvin Phillips, Sergio Gómez, and possibly even Stefan Ortega (if he wants a starting role) could all be moved on.
Meanwhile, academy products like James McAtee, Liam Delap, and Taylor Harwood-Bellis are likely to be sold with buy-back clauses—bringing in an additional £50–80 million to offset signings.
The Shopping List: Targets and Tiers
Who could come in? Here’s how City’s rumored and realistic targets break down:
Midfield
Bruno Guimarães – Physical, Premier League-proven, and with a release clause. But expensive.
Tijjani Reijnders – A deep-lying conductor with press resistance; more of a Gündoğan replacement.
Martin Zubimendi – A Rodri-lite who could provide cover and competition.
Right-Back
Jeremie Frimpong – High-energy, offensive, Bundesliga-proven.
Yan Couto – Knows the system after a breakout year at Girona.
Valentin Barco – A wildcard option, though more natural on the left.
Winger / Forward
Michael Olise – Skillful, versatile, and homegrown.
Jamal Musiala – The dream target, though Bayern will fight to keep him.
Savinho – The Girona loanee is likely to join the first team after his breakout campaign.
Centre-Back
Leny Yoro – Young, elite potential, and admired across Europe.
Jarrad Branthwaite – A Premier League-proven left-footed option, if Laporte’s role isn’t fully covered.
Guardiola’s Future: The Hidden Variable
One key factor behind this summer’s decisions will be Pep Guardiola’s contract, which expires in 2025. The Catalan has hinted at nearing the end of his City journey, and while no decision is final, the club must prepare for succession—not just in coaching, but in squad structure.
This window may be designed to build a squad that outlasts Guardiola: younger, flexible, and built around Foden, Haaland, and Rodri.
Conclusion: The Start of a New Chapter
Manchester City’s next transfer window isn’t about plugging gaps. It’s about preparing for the next cycle of dominance. With the possibility of £300 million in spending, a solution finally in sight for the right-back question, and some emotional exits on the horizon, this summer could be one of the most defining in the Guardiola era.
City may have mastered the art of winning—but this summer, they must master the art of reinventing while on top. If they succeed, the rest of Europe should be on notice—because a refreshed, younger, and even more tactically fluid Manchester City is a terrifying prospect.
Leave a Reply