Manchester City have officially offloaded Argentine midfielder Máximo Perrone to Italian side Como, in a transfer that marks another significant step in Pep Guardiola’s ongoing summer squad reshuffle.
The deal is reportedly worth up to €15 million (£13 million), signaling City’s intent to balance their squad both financially and in terms of numbers ahead of the new season.
Although Perrone did not make much of an impact at the Etihad Stadium, this transfer still stands out due to the structured financial terms included in the agreement.
City have smartly inserted a buy-back clause into the deal, ensuring they retain a level of control over Perrone’s future should he flourish in Serie A. Additionally, the club will receive 30 percent of any future transfer fee should Como decide to sell him later on, safeguarding potential long-term value.
The 22-year-old joined Manchester City from Argentine side Vélez Sarsfield in January 2023 but found opportunities limited in Guardiola’s star-studded midfield.
He only made two senior appearances for the English champions, totaling just 25 minutes of playing time—18 minutes in a Premier League match against Bournemouth and another brief cameo in an FA Cup fixture against Bristol City.
However, Perrone’s loan spell at Como last season significantly boosted his profile. Under the management of former Spanish international Cesc Fàbregas, Perrone impressed with his composure and technical ability, helping the club finish 10th in Serie A in what was their first season back in the top flight.
His performances clearly convinced Como to make the deal permanent, and now he’ll continue his development under Fàbregas in Italy.
Interestingly, the transfer fee received from the Perrone deal nearly covers what City paid to sign 18-year-old Norwegian talent Sverre Nypan, who recently completed a £12.5 million move to the Etihad.
Nypan, regarded as one of Europe’s brightest young midfielders, represents the type of long-term investment City are prioritizing as they refresh their squad with youth.
Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola has openly admitted that he believes the squad is too large and is seeking to reduce numbers to ensure a more manageable group of players. Perrone’s departure is just one of several expected this window.
City have already seen two experienced figures leave the club, with Kevin De Bruyne moving to Napoli following the expiry of his contract, and Kyle Walker completing a transfer to Burnley in a deal that could rise to £5 million. These exits suggest Guardiola is serious about reshaping his team for the upcoming campaign.
