After winning the English Premier League for a successive fourth season and sixth time with Manchester City, Head coach Pep Gladiola is in the transfer markets again to strengthen his team ahead of the 2024/25 season.
After claiming their first Club World Cup, Manchester City failed to win any other major trophy last season. They missed out on crucial stages in the Champions League, FA Cup, and Carabao Cup also facing an intense and close title battle with rivals Arsenal and Liverpool, who are sure to be stern tests for the Manchester Club next season. The club has quickly switched to reinforcements to better their competition both in the domestic and European stages next season.
With the highest representation in the International tournaments (EURO and Copa America), the club and Pep Gladiola are exposed to an increased risk of injuries ahead of the new season. This adds to the uncertainty in the futures of several key players with the club.
The summer transfer window will open on Friday, June 14, and will close on Friday, August 30, lasting exactly 11 weeks. This article highlights Manchester City’s transfer news and Rumors ahead of the 2024/25 season.
MAN CITY’S INTEREST IN BRUNO GUIMARAES
26-year-old Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes has been strongly linked to a move to Manchester City. The talented midfielder moved to Newcastle from Lyon in 2022 and has since become one of the best in the League.
With the increasing uncertainties of the futures of Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva who are linked to the Saudi Pro League and Barcelona respectively, Manchester City is faced with the urgency to add a new creative midfielder to their ranks.
Pep Gladiola has taken a strong liking to the versatile midfielder and reports prove that he would fit perfectly into City’s possessive style of play. However, acquiring the services of the midfielder won’t be cheap, with a £100 million release clause attached to his contract. It is yet to be determined if City sees the midfielder worth 9 figures or capitalize on Newcastle’s Profit and Sustainability Rules deadline on the 20th of June to land the midfielder.
Newcastle are reportedly among the clubs that might need to sell players later this month to comply with PSR limits. Last season, both Everton and Nottingham Forest were penalized with points deductions for exceeding those limits. Magpies Head coach Eddie Howe has expressed interest in keeping the midfielder for the club’s plans, and the club will be unlikely to sell the midfielder in the transfer window if his release clause is not met.
Speaking on his future in April, Guimaraes said: “I don’t want to look too long-term. I think game by game is the right way to think about it. Then let’s see what we can achieve at the end of the season. Qualifying for Europe is what we want so let’s see how we can go.”
The midfielder is currently on international duty with Brazil after being selected by the Brazilian team for Copa America in the United States.
MAN CITY’S INTEREST IN DIOGO COSTA
FC Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa is another potential summer signing for Pep Gladiola ahead of the new season.
First-choice goalkeeper Ederson has an uncertain future with the English Champions and is rumored to be seeking a move away from the Etihad with interests arising from the Saudi Pro League. The speculation intensified when backup goalkeeper Stefan Ortega who had a significant performance last season signed a new contract until 2026 last weekend.
La Liga clubs, League 1, and Premier League teams like Liverpool and Arsenal are reportedly keeping tabs on the Portuguese international. Porto may have to make a major sale in the summer transfer window and Costa is considered a likely candidate to leave with several clubs after his signature.
Manchester City and Arsenal are thought to have dispatched scouts to observe Costa, but acquiring him will be expensive. Porto has set a €75m (£63m) release clause for the goalkeeper.
CHELSEA INTERESTED IN JULIAN ALVAREZ
World Cup-winning striker Julian Alvarez has been heavily linked to Chelsea recently. The new Chelsea boss and former Man City Assistant coach Enzo Maresca is a huge fan of the Argentine and is interested in bringing the striker to West London to bolster their attack.
Alvarez, who had a great season at Man City last season with 11 goals and nine assists in 36 games, including a brace in the FIFA Club World Cup finals, is still sidelined by Erling Haaland or made to assume the No.10 role in most games.
While questioned on his future while away with the national team, he said: “These are things that are said, but I am calm; I am comfortable and happy in City; we will see what happens.”
Recently, Spanish side Atletico Madrid who also sought the striker’s services ruled themselves out of the race, with the Club President Enrique Cerezo stating that the Argentine is committed and would remain at Manchester City.
MAN CITY PLANS TO SELL MATHIAS NUNES
Manchester City is reportedly looking forward to Mathias Nunes’s departure this summer to raise funds for an ideal midfield option. Pep Guardiola has reportedly lost all confidence in Matheus Nunes and wants to offload him as he plans to revamp his midfield soon.
Nunes joined the Sky Blues early last season from Wolves after an impressive debut season in the Premier League and years playing for Portuguese side Sporting CP. Encouraged by his skill set, Man City outbid other teams to get the signature of the talented midfielder in hopes that he would establish himself as a force in Gladiola’s squad.
The Brazil-born star failed to impress the 53-year-old coach last season and mostly had limited game time. He’s been put on the chopping block to make room for a potential summer signing. Mathias Nunez was still selected in Portugal’s 26-men team for Euro 2024 despite having a “Not so good” season.
MAXIMO PERRONE TO BE LOANED OUT FOR A SECOND SEASON
Manchester City midfielder Maximo Perrone has stated that he anticipates being loaned out by the club again next season. The Argentine was acquired from Vélez Sarsfield by the Citizens in the 2023 transfer window and went on to spend the previous season in La Liga with Las Palmas, where he helped Garcia Pimienta’s side avoid relegation. He debuted for the Sky Blues in February 2023 and has made two appearances for them so far.
Speaking to MARCA, Perrone noted; “We reached an agreement that there will be one more transfer. I think that to continue with the adaptation, one more year in La Liga would be the best.”
Playing time for the Argentine in Guardiola’s squad last season was unlikely due to the presence of other senior and preferred players dominating the midfield. When asked about a potential return to feature for the Spanish side – Las Palmas, Perrone replied;
“I think you have to look at the options. It’s still very early. You have to take it calmly and choose the best option. I was looking to do my first season in Europe and I think it has been very good. I have played around 30 games and started most of them. I knew it was going to come and it wasn’t going to be right from the start, that I had to fight and, in the end, I managed to play a lot. I’ll stick with that.”
With the search for a potential quality midfielder, however, the situation of the 21-year-old could change shortly.
MANCHESTER CITY PRE-SEASON FIXTURES
Wednesday, 24th July
Manchester City Vs. Celtic (Friendly Match 00:30)
Saturday, 27th July
Manchester City Vs. AC Milan (Friendly Match 23:00)
Wednesday, 31st July
Manchester City Vs. Barcelona (Friendly Match 00:00)
Saturday, 3rd August
Chelsea Vs. Manchester City (Friendly Match 22:30)
Saturday, 10th August
Manchester City Vs. Manchester United’s (FA Community Shield 16:00)
GET HIGH-DEMAND MANCHESTER CITY TICKETS!
For fans seeking to witness the pre-season action firsthand, Buy Manchester City tickets and reserve seats for yourself and your loved ones through the tour. Available tickets are scarce and limited due to this overwhelming demand. Check out secondary marketplaces to secure tickets with the best view and experience.