According to an analysis published on Monday, Manchester City might commence their defense of the Premier League title without making any new signings during the summer transfer window. Although City has been linked with several potential recruits, such as Bruno Guimaraes and Joshua Kimmich, the first month of the off-season has been notably quiet.
The lack of transfer activity can be attributed to several factors, primarily the focus of most players on international commitments.
This has slowed down the rumor mill, making it unsurprising that concrete transfer movements have been minimal. Key players like Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, and Ederson face uncertain futures, with each linked to potential departures. However, whether these rumors will translate into actual transfers remains to be seen and may not become clear until later in the summer.
If Manchester City manages to retain these players, they would likely be content to proceed with the squad that secured a fourth consecutive Premier League title and narrowly missed out on advancing in the Champions League.
One potential incoming player, Girona winger Savio, who has been expected to join City, may not finalize his move until after the Copa America due to his involvement with the Brazilian national team. Despite Troyes investing between £5-10 million in Savio without him playing for them, his performance at Girona has increased his value, though the exact figure remains uncertain.
The focus at City might thus shift more towards potential departures. Joao Cancelo has stated he will not decide on his future until after the Euros. Pep Guardiola has expressed a willingness to welcome Cancelo back to the squad if no buying club emerges.
However, reintegrating Cancelo might prove challenging due to the circumstances of his departure and his subsequent comments, which have not indicated any remorse.
Reports from Spain suggest that City would seek £25 million for Cancelo, either this summer or as part of a future loan arrangement. Additionally, they are reportedly asking for £20 million for Sergio Gomez, who is closely linked to Real Sociedad.
City has also secured pre-arranged deals for Tommy Doyle and Taylor Harwood-Bellis, bringing in £25 million, with Doyle’s transfer estimated at £5 million and Harwood-Bellis’s at £20 million. Another academy graduate, Liam Delap, might also depart, potentially adding to the club’s funds.
Kalvin Phillips is another player City is willing to sell if a buyer can be found, following his dramatic decline in form. Although recouping the £42 million initially paid for Phillips seems unlikely, any substantial return could help City reach or exceed a £100 million summer influx. Other potential deals might contribute an additional £15 to 20 million.
If City opts to retain their current squad rather than making new signings, they might still be well-prepared for future transfer windows when there are no international tournaments, and market conditions are more favorable. This strategy could set them up for a more significant spending spree in the future.
Nevertheless, City fans are hopeful that the club will still bring in at least one or two new faces to refresh and strengthen the team for the upcoming season.
