All the latest Manchester City transfer news on deadline day as Pep Guardiola looks to bolster his squad signs Alvarez replacement
Julian Alvarez of Atletico Madrid during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Atletico Madrid v Girona at the Estadio Civitas Metropolitano on August 25, 2024
Man City sign ‘secret’ Alvarez replacement from Premier League rival
Pep Guardiola only has a few more hours to wrap up any final business before the summer transfer window slams shut.
Besides Ilkay Gundogan, who recently returned from Barcelona, Manchester City have only welcomed two new faces to the Etihad Stadium this summer. Last year, the Premier League champions forked out almost £250m on Josko Gvardiol, Mathues Nunes, Jeremy Doku, Mateo Kovacic and Claudio Echeverri.
After heavily investing in defence and midfield, City have quietly signed a deputy for Erling Haaland. With Julian Alvarez off the books, Guardiola finally decided to sign a new striker at the eleventh hour – Divin Mubama from West Ham. So, with that being said, the Manchester Evening News have rounded up the latest transfer gossip on deadline day.
Man City ‘quietly’ sign Alvarez replacement
Divin Mubama has confirmed his transfer from West Ham to Manchester City. The 19-year-old striker announced his signing on Instagram, posing with a ball at the City Football Academy.
The Manchester Evening News understands that the Premier League champions paid £2m for the teenager, who arrives just days after Julian Alvarez joined Atletico Madrid. While he’s not expected to be a regular in the first-team, Mubama will be hoping to impress Pep Guardiola in the Elite Development Squad and establish himself as Erling Haaland’s new deputy.
It’s believed that Mubama was offered a contract extension at the London Stadium, but he chose to leave following the expiration of his deal – meaning the Hammers were entitled to training compensation as per FA rules for homegrown players. The England Under-20 international was also linked with a move to Portugal.
Benfica set to loan Man City ace
According to Sky Sports, Issa Kabore is on the verge of completing a season-long loan move to Benfica. The Manchester City defender, who spent last season on loan at Luton Town, was named on the substitutes’ bench for Saturday’s win over Ipswich.
The report states that it’s a straight loan deal with no option to buy. The 23-year-old currently sees his contract at the Etihad Stadium expire in June 2027.
Rodri to Real Madrid stance
Manchester City have been given a huge boost to their hopes of keeping Rodri beyond the summer transfer deadline. According to Spanish newspaper Marca, Real Madrid are not considering a move for the 28-year-old midfielder despite widespread reports.
Rodri, who sees his contract at the Etihad Stadium expire in June 2027, joined the Atletico Madrid youth setup in 2007 before joining Villarreal on a free transfer in 2013. Five years later, he returned to the Civitas Metropolitano and defeated Los Blancos in the UEFA Super Cup.
After just 12 months in Diego Simeone’s side, Rodri joined Manchester City, where he’s established himself as one of the best players in the world. Since arriving at the Etihad Stadium, the Spain international has won the Premier League four times, the Champions League and the FIFA Club World Cup.
It would be the worst case scenario for Man City.
Rodri lined up for sensational transfer that could finally see the end of Man City’s Premier League domination
Rodri could be lined up for a sensational move away from Manchester City next summer as European giant ‘prioritise’ the Spaniard.
Rodri is still yet to make a matchday squad this season for Pep Guardiola following an injury he picked up in the Euro 2024 final.
Speaking ahead of the Premier League’s return, Guardiola confirmed Rodri was yet to take part in any form of training with the club.
“He didn’t train. I didn’t see him yet. I think he feels good but he has to return to training. We’ll see when he starts to move his body how he feels. No chance of him playing,” Guardiola explained.
Rodri is expected to be available for City for their next Premier League fixture, however, it might be keeping him available at the club which proves to be an issue due to significant transfer interest.
According to Duncan Castles, Real Madrid are extremely interested in signing the defensive midfielder next summer with Florentino Perez pushing for his signature.
The report also states that in light of this news, City will look to improve and extend Rodri’s contract in order to combat the interest of the Spanish giants.
Rodri most recently signed a contract extension at the club back in 2022 with his current deal expiring in 2027 meaning even in the current circumstances it would likely be a huge fee to see Rodri leave the Etihad.
Rodri- Getty
The signing of Rodri from Atletico Madrid in 2019 has been one of the greatest bits of business in City’s history, as he played a major part in the club’s 22/23 treble win most notably scoring the winner in the 2023 Champions League final.
If Real Madrid do succeed in their pursuit of the 28-year-old they would add to their already ridiculous midfield roster of Fede Valverde, Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga, Luca Modric and Aurélien Tchouaméni.
Featured Image Credit: Getty
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