Manchester City Begin New Era After Busy Transfer Window
Manchester City finished the transfer window with a net spend of just over £80 million, completing a mix of major signings and emotional departures. Pep Guardiola once again reshaped his squad as the club looks to defend their titles in England and Europe.
City’s summer business started early with the signing of Dutch midfielder Tijjani Reijnders from Milan for £46.6 million. Reijnders said he was proud to join “one of the biggest teams in the world” on a five-year contract. Algerian defender Rayan Aït-Nouri followed from Wolves for £31 million, describing the move as a huge honour. French playmaker Rayan Cherki arrived from Lyon for £30.5 million, fulfilling a childhood dream by joining the European champions.
In goal, City made headlines by signing Italy star Gianluigi Donnarumma from Paris Saint-Germain for £26 million. The 26-year-old Champions League winner will compete for the number one spot with new arrival James Trafford, who rejoined from Burnley for £27 million. Guardiola also added future talent, including Norwegian teenager Sverre Nypan from Rosenborg for £12.4 million and experienced goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli from Chelsea.
The departures list was just as significant. Brazilian goalkeeper Ederson left after eight trophy-filled years, joining Fenerbahce for £12.1 million. Long-time defender Kyle Walker ended his City career with a move to Burnley, while former captain Ilkay Gündogan joined Galatasaray on a free transfer. Young midfielder James McAtee went to Nottingham Forest for £30 million, and Brazilian right-back Yan Couto joined Borussia Dortmund permanently for £25.1 million. Argentine midfielder Máximo Perrone signed for Como, while promising defender Callum Doyle made a £7.5 million switch to Wrexham.
The biggest emotional departure came when Kevin De Bruyne completed a free transfer to Napoli. The Belgian playmaker left the Etihad after years of brilliance, receiving an emotional farewell from supporters who called him “King Kev.” His exit marked the end of an era for City’s midfield.
Several other young players left on loan to gain experience, including Jack Grealish, who surprisingly joined Everton to revive his England career. Other loans included Claudio Echeverri to Bayer Leverkusen, Jahmai Simpson-Pusey to Celtic, Joel Ndala to Hull, Finley Burns to Reading, and Vitor Reis to Girona. City also allowed Kayky to leave permanently for Bahia and youngster Juma Bah to join Nice on loan.
Veteran goalkeeper Scott Carson, a popular figure in the dressing room, departed as a free agent after six years at the club, closing his career with 12 trophies as part of the squad.
With exciting talents like Cherki, Donnarumma, and Reijnders arriving, but legends like De Bruyne, Ederson, and Walker leaving, Manchester City enter a new chapter. Fans will now wait to see if Guardiola’s rebuilt team can maintain their dominance in the Premier League and Europe.
