Man City’s transfer window verdict: £111 million spent, Guardiola desire, Walker leaving

Kyle Walker and Pep Guardiola during their time at Manchester City.

Despite the fact that there are only seven weeks left in the summer transfer window, Manchester City has already been extremely active.

Pep Guardiola’s goal of making City competitive in the Champions League and Premier League championship battle has led to rapid squad strengthening.

The Manchester Evening News has given their opinion on City’s transfer window thus far, while acknowledging that there are still some issues to fix.

£111 million was spent on four signings.

City jumped ahead of their opponents by moving quickly to recruit four players before flying to the United States to compete in the Club World Cup last month.

Hugo Viana, the new sporting director, has completed deals worth £31 million for Wolves left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri, £34 million for Lyon playmaker Rayan Cherki, and £46.5 million for AC Milan midfielder Tijjani Reijnders.

Marcus Bettinelli was also signed on a free transfer from Chelsea to become the club’s new third-choice goalkeeper after Scott Carson’s departure.

It meant that City had greatly strengthened their team and had addressed the majority of their squad’s weaknesses before returning to pre-season training later this month.

It means Guardiola should not have to make too many changes to the squad he has planned for the upcoming 2025/26 season, which can only be a good thing for City’s prospects.

Walker leaves, but additional exits are needed.

Kyle Walker’s transfer to Burnley was revealed earlier this month, so City were relieved to have his future resolved so swiftly. The England international was deemed surplus to requirements after returning from a loan spell with AC Milan.

Guardiola has shown a desire to downsize the current City squad. This implies that players such as Jack Grealish, Kalvin Phillips, and James McAtee may leave the club this summer, and additional decisions must be made.

Ilkay Gundogan and January signing Nico Gonzalez are receiving interest, while John Stones, Oscar Bobb, Vitor Reis, Matheus Nunes, and others may be considered for moves – whether on loan or permanently – if the situation is right for City.

It might be a busy summer, especially in terms of outgoings, and Guardiola will want to see results soon.

What happens next in the transfer market?

City have completed the majority of their business, but it remains to be seen whether they will return to the transfer market for more signings.

Sverre Nypan, an 18-year-old Norwegian midfielder, is anticipated to sign from Rosenborg and be promptly loaned elsewhere.

City are also said to be looking for a new right-back, with Tino Livramento being the preferred candidate. Newcastle will not want to sell, and it would be a costly transaction to broker this summer.

It is possible that they will revisit the offer next summer, but they will be watching closely to see how Newcastle handles Liverpool’s interest in their star forward Alexander Isak in the coming days and weeks.

The key issue is whether they will go with an alternative right back. Wesley, Flamengo’s right defender, has also been linked with a move to the Etihad Stadium.

It would be a risky move for City to not recruit a recognised right-back and instead rely on Nunes, Rico Lewis, and possibly Abdukodir Khusanov.

This choice has the power to make or destroy their season.

Sean McCormick is the content editor for our North East and Yorkshire football clubs. He formerly worked as a Newcastle United reporter, a trends writer who covered both the Magpies and Sunderland AFC, and a football content editor for the Manchester Evening News. He writes about darts and boxing. He joined us in 2016.

Ruben Amorim Reportedly Urges Manchester United to Sign £51m Star Who Was Previously Set for Manchester City Move

In a surprising twist in the transfer saga involving one of Europe’s brightest young talents, Sporting Lisbon manager Ruben Amorim has reportedly advised Manchester United to swoop in for a player previously believed to be on the verge of joining Manchester City. Valued at around £51 million, the player is now at the center of a tug-of-war between the two Manchester giants, with Amorim personally advocating for United to make the decisive move.

The player in question had been strongly linked with a switch to the Etihad, and insiders suggested that personal terms had even been discussed at one stage. Manchester City, always eager to strengthen their already formidable squad, viewed him as an ideal addition who could contribute immediately while still offering long-term value.

However, Ruben Amorim’s intervention appears to have reignited the possibility of the player heading to Old Trafford instead. The Portuguese coach is understood to have spoken directly to Manchester United’s representatives, emphasizing the player’s suitability for the club’s current rebuild and expressing belief that United would offer a better environment for his development.

This move by Amorim has added an unexpected layer to the summer transfer window, as Manchester United evaluate their options under new partial owners Ineos and seek to reshape the squad with smart, long-term investments. The club is reportedly now seriously considering Amorim’s recommendation.

The Sporting boss has earned a reputation for mentoring emerging stars and has worked closely with this particular player, watching him grow into a dynamic, technically gifted figure who has already attracted interest from elite clubs across Europe. His glowing endorsement may carry significant weight in the eyes of United’s decision-makers.

Amorim’s encouragement also aligns with Manchester United’s new transfer philosophy, which places emphasis on hungry, versatile players rather than just marquee names. The Portuguese manager reportedly believes that the player’s mentality and work ethic suit the profile that United are currently targeting.

The reason for the shift away from City’s orbit is not entirely clear. It’s possible that competition within City’s stacked squad led the player to reconsider, as regular playing time might be more difficult to come by at the Etihad. United, on the other hand, could offer a more immediate path into the starting lineup.

United’s midfield and attacking setup is in need of reinforcements following an underwhelming campaign last season. Injuries, inconsistent performances, and tactical imbalances plagued the side, and there is now an urgency to find the right blend of youth, energy, and technical quality to turn things around.

The player’s price tag—believed to be £51 million—reflects both his current ability and his potential to become a mainstay at a top club for years to come. While the fee is significant, it falls within the budget United are willing to spend for long-term assets who can contribute under a more coherent project.

Amorim’s endorsement is not just about technical ability. Sources say he sees the player as a leader in the making—someone who commands respect in the dressing room, trains with intensity, and thrives under pressure. These qualities are exactly what United need as they attempt to restore the club’s elite status.

The player is believed to be open to the move, especially if Manchester United can present a clear vision for his role and development. Though the allure of Manchester City remains strong, the prospect of becoming a central figure in a historic rebuild at Old Trafford could be more appealing in the long run.

Reports indicate that United have already opened informal talks with the player’s camp and are assessing the logistics of submitting a formal offer to Sporting Lisbon. Given the existing release clause, negotiations may focus more on structure of payments than the fee itself.

Manchester City have yet to publicly respond to the developments, but sources suggest the club may not aggressively pursue the deal now that United have entered the frame. Pep Guardiola’s team remains well-stocked in most areas, and unless another player departs, City may allow the chase to cool.

If United do push forward, they will likely attempt to close the deal swiftly. The idea is to integrate new signings before the start of preseason and avoid drawn-out sagas that distract from preparations. Early moves in the window are seen as crucial to building team chemistry and tactical identity.

Amorim’s proactive role in this situation demonstrates his belief in the player’s ability to shine at the highest level. It’s rare for a manager to so openly endorse a transfer to a rival club, and it reflects a strong desire to see the player succeed on the biggest stage possible.

This potential signing would also send a strong message to the United fanbase. Amid frustrations over recent performances and inconsistent recruitment, landing a player of this caliber—especially one who was close to joining City—would show that the club is once again capable of competing at the top level.

Beyond the symbolic value, the player’s attributes make him an ideal fit for Erik ten Hag’s evolving system. With a blend of technical precision, tactical intelligence, and physical resilience, he could fill multiple roles across midfield or attacking positions, offering much-needed flexibility.

United’s new ownership structure under Ineos may also play a part in the deal. With a clearer sporting vision, improved scouting infrastructure, and streamlined negotiations, the club appears more capable of executing smart, calculated signings than in previous transfer windows.

As the summer unfolds, this transfer story will likely remain one of the most watched. The mix of rivalry, managerial influence, and shifting priorities between the two Manchester clubs ensures that it will have broader implications beyond just one player’s future.

If United are able to finalize the deal, it would not only strengthen their squad but also deliver a psychological boost—showing that they can compete with their cross-town rivals in the market once again. For the player, it would be a chance to take the next step in his career, possibly under the mentorship of a manager who already believes in his potential.