Man City’s unfinished business: The six things Pep Guardiola’s side still needs to do in the transfer market despite spending £290 million

The Cityzens have outspent every Premier League team in 2025 so far, but there is still a lot of work to do before the season begins.

While other Premier League clubs are driving their players into the ground to prepare for the upcoming season, Manchester City’s squad is still on holiday. Erling Haaland and his teammates are aiming to make the most of their time off after the Club World Cup before returning for a postponed pre-season training camp on July 28.

However, Pep Guardiola and new sporting director Hugo Viana cannot afford to take a break as they seek to put together the finest group possible for next season.

In June, the Cityzens spent £111 million ($148 million) on five players in preparation for the Club World Cup. The club continued where it left off in January, when they went on an unparalleled shopping binge in the winter window, spending £180 million ($241 million) on four new signings.

Despite spending over £290 million ($390 million) in 2025, City’s early departure from the Club World Cup to Al-Hilal highlights the need for further improvements in the squad to recapture the Premier League title.

Here are six things Guardiola and Viana should accomplish before City start their season away to Wolves on August 16…

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Get a top-tier right-back.

The purchase of Rayan Ait-Nouri marked the end of Guardiola’s era of inverted full-backs, and the return to a typical back four with two wide men rushing forward. And the coach must complete the move by signing a top-tier right back to compliment the Algerian international. Although Newcastle are hesitant to move England international Tino Livramento this summer, he remains an ideal target. City were also linked with Flamengo’s Wesley, but the Brazilian is expected to join Roma.

City had three right-backs last season, and none of them were very convincing at the position. Kyle Walker’s performances deteriorated so dramatically that he sought a speedy loan exit to AC Milan, and he has now secured a permanent move to Burnley. Rico Lewis, who was meant to be Walker’s heir, failed to play the position on a consistent basis, and his best performances, such as the FA Cup semi-final victory over Nottingham Forest, came in midfield.

Matheus Nunes took his time adjusting to the role after Guardiola thought him not intelligent enough to be a midfielder, and while he had his moments and tallied 10 assists, he was exposed against the toughest competition.

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Clarify Ederson’s future.

The predicament with City’s two goalkeepers is the elephant in the room. Both Ederson and Stefan Ortega underperformed last season and are nearing the end of their contracts. Many City fans believe it is time to sign a replacement for Ederson, particularly following a dismal Club World Cup performance in which he handed Juventus a goal with a misjudged ball and conceded four goals in the last-16 defeat to Al-Hilal.

City has been looking at prospective new goalkeepers, as well as recruiting Marcus Bettinelli to replace Scott Carson as third-choice, but the lack of offers for Ederson and Ortega makes it tough for them to enter the market for a new number one. Despite claims of interest in Ederson from Turkey and Napoli, GOAL believes Manchester City has not received any proposals. And Ederson has dismissed rumors that he is leaving as “fake news” and declared his decision to stay.

If City believes Ederson will be their No. 1 for the next few seasons, they should offer him a new contract. Nobody is benefiting from the current state of uncertainty.

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Sell McAtee at the right price.

It is widely known that James McAtee will leave the club he joined when he was 11 years old. With no less than seven players ahead of him in the midfield and attack pecking order, he realizes he needs to move on to further his career.

After leading England to victory at the U21 Euros, City sees his prospective transfer as a ‘pure profit’ to maintain profitability and sustainability in the Premier League.

The question is not whether McAtee will depart, but rather which club he will join and for how much. City are hoping for a sum closer to £40m ($54m), which Chelsea spent to buy Cole Palmer from City in 2023, rather than the reported £25m ($34m) figure. McAtee played more appearances for City than Palmer at the time of his departure, and he also gained an extra year of Premier League experience with Sheffield United.

McAtee is said to have visited Eintracht Frankfurt and Borussia Dortmund, while Nottingham Forest has reportedly shown interest in him.

Manchester City Signs Biggest Kit Deal in Premier League History

Manchester City have made headlines both on and off the pitch once again, this time by securing the most lucrative kit deal in Premier League history. The reigning English champions have reached a groundbreaking agreement with their long-standing kit manufacturer, setting a new benchmark in sports sponsorship across the league.

The deal signals not only City’s dominance in English football but also their growing influence on the global stage. With a combination of on-field success, a booming fanbase, and elite commercial strategy, the club continues to expand its empire beyond trophies and titles.

This record-breaking agreement will see Manchester City partner with their kit sponsor for many more years, with improved financial terms, expanded product ranges, and exclusive branding initiatives aimed at reaching supporters across every continent. The deal is believed to significantly surpass previous Premier League records for kit sponsorship, cementing City’s place at the top of the commercial hierarchy.

The kit manufacturer, which has been with the club through multiple title-winning seasons, is said to be thrilled to extend its partnership. Company executives have described Manchester City as the “defining team of the modern era” and believe this new agreement reflects that shared ambition and success.

As part of the agreement, City will benefit from a broader range of bespoke designs for their kits, including special edition releases and global fan drops. The club’s iconic sky blue home shirt will be modernized each season while keeping its traditional identity intact, blending heritage with innovation.

Manchester City’s influence extends far beyond the Etihad Stadium. With sister clubs around the world through the City Football Group, this partnership allows for synchronized branding and merchandise opportunities across global markets. Fans in Asia, North America, Africa, and beyond will now have access to a wider selection of official products, all underpinned by this record deal.

In recent years, City’s kits have become bestsellers among Premier League clubs, with strong sales across men’s, women’s, and youth ranges. The commercial team at the club has worked closely with the kit sponsor to leverage data, social media campaigns, and community engagement, resulting in a model that has become the envy of European football.

Club officials have emphasized that this isn’t just about numbers. The agreement includes commitments to sustainability, ethical manufacturing, and charitable initiatives. Eco-friendly materials will feature prominently in future kits, with portions of sales directed toward youth development programs in Manchester and across City Football Group’s clubs worldwide.

This kit deal represents yet another milestone in City’s rapid rise to global football powerhouse status. From the days of mid-table mediocrity to their current reign as one of Europe’s elite, City’s journey has been matched by calculated commercial growth at every step. This partnership is the latest reward for that vision.

Pep Guardiola’s squad has helped transform City into an irresistible brand. With a distinctive playing style, consistent silverware, and an ever-expanding roster of global stars, the team has become the perfect vehicle for a top-tier sponsor to reach football fans everywhere.

City’s chief executive described the deal as “historic,” not only for the club but for the Premier League as a whole. He pointed out that it reflects how the club is perceived by the world’s biggest companies — not just as a football team but as a cultural institution.

Fans can expect to see more immersive experiences around kit launches, including augmented reality, fan-designed elements, and city-wide events celebrating each new release. The club is also exploring collaborations with artists and designers to create one-of-a-kind collections that blend football and street culture.

The Premier League itself will take note of this landmark agreement. It sets a new precedent for what is possible in kit sponsorships and may push other top clubs to renegotiate their own deals to keep pace with City’s commercial momentum.

While City’s success on the pitch continues to be driven by trophies, records, and superstar performances, this kit deal reflects a deeper kind of victory — the ability to turn sporting dominance into commercial supremacy without compromising on identity.

In Manchester, the announcement was met with excitement and pride. Supporters see this as validation of the club’s ambition and professionalism. Local retailers are preparing for increased demand, with the first batch of kits under the new deal expected to fly off shelves in record time.

This move also allows the club to reinvest heavily into infrastructure, youth development, and women’s football, ensuring that the benefits of the deal will be felt throughout every department. City officials have already hinted that a portion of the revenue will support new training ground expansions and grassroots initiatives.

The club’s success in attracting a record-breaking kit deal also underscores its pull in global sports media. With audiences in hundreds of countries tuning in weekly, Manchester City continues to grow as a brand, turning matchdays into global events.

As City prepare for another season filled with high expectations, they’ll do so dressed in the kit of a record-breaker — one that symbolizes not just victory on the pitch, but triumph in the boardroom, the marketplace, and the hearts of millions.

The future of football is increasingly shaped by the fusion of sport, fashion, and business — and once again, Manchester City have positioned themselves as the standard-bearers for that new era.