Man City complete another wonderkid signing and it might be the best free transfer of 2025 so far after 42-goal season

Manchester City’s 2024-25 season has been a tale of unexpected struggles and ambitious planning for the future. After finishing third in the Premier League—a position that would have been unthinkable during their recent period of dominance—Pep Guardiola and the club’s hierarchy have embarked on one of the most comprehensive squad overhauls in recent memory. The Citizens’ response to their rare trophy-less campaign has been swift and decisive, with a flurry of transfer activity that signals both immediate ambition and long-term vision.

The Context: A Season of Uncharacteristic Struggles

The 2024-25 campaign represented only the second season under Guardiola’s stewardship where Manchester City failed to capture silverware, a stark reminder that even the most successful dynasties face periods of transition. The team’s struggles were multifaceted, with key injuries, form dips, and tactical challenges all contributing to their disappointing finish. Most notably, the absence of Ballon d’Or winner Rodri through injury proved catastrophic, with Guardiola himself acknowledging the midfielder’s irreplaceable role in the team’s system.

The manager’s candid assessment of the situation was telling: “We are playing this season without the best player of the Ballon d’Or, Rodri and without the best player in England last season, Foden. Not one team can play without central defenders, without the Ballon d’Or, and best Premier League player for all the season.” This frank admission highlighted the depth of City’s challenges and the scale of the rebuild required.

Phil Foden’s fitness struggles throughout the campaign further compounded City’s difficulties. The England international, who had been instrumental in previous seasons, started just six of the first 15 Premier League matches, raising concerns among supporters about his physical condition and role in Guardiola’s plans. The manager’s comments about Foden being “unavailable” for significant portions of the season sparked worry among the fanbase, with many questioning whether underlying issues were affecting the player’s participation.

The January Foundation: Early Moves in the Transfer Market

City’s response to their struggles began in earnest during the January transfer window, demonstrating the club’s commitment to addressing their shortcomings mid-season. The acquisitions of Abdukodir Khusanov from Lens and Vitor Reis from Palmeiras represented the first phase of Guardiola’s defensive overhaul, with both players bringing youth, pace, and modern defensive qualities to the squad.

These January signings were part of a broader £180 million investment in four new recruits, signaling that City’s ownership was prepared to back Guardiola’s vision for renewal. The scale of this mid-season spending was unprecedented for the club and demonstrated their determination to arrest the decline before it became entrenched.

Summer Ambitions: The Comprehensive Rebuild

The summer transfer window has seen City accelerate their rebuild with characteristic efficiency and ambition. The club’s transfer strategy appears to focus on three key areas: attacking creativity, defensive solidity, and midfield dynamism. The departure of Kevin De Bruyne, confirmed at the end of the season, has created both a challenge and an opportunity for Guardiola to reimagine his team’s creative axis.

Attacking Reinforcements: Youth and Experience Combined

One of the most intriguing aspects of City’s summer business has been their pursuit of young attacking talent. The confirmed signing of 18-year-old Mahamadou Sangare from Paris Saint-Germain represents a statement of intent regarding the club’s commitment to developing the next generation of superstars. Sangare’s incredible statistics at youth level—42 goals in 46 appearances for PSG’s under-19s—suggest a player of exceptional potential.

The young forward’s journey to the Etihad is itself a compelling story. Having signed a youth contract with PSG in summer 2023, Sangare quickly established himself as one of Europe’s most prolific youth players, finishing his first season with 32 goals. His performances in the UEFA Youth League were particularly impressive, including a memorable 17-minute hat-trick against Atletico Madrid and a three-goal haul in a 5-2 victory over Bayern Munich.

What makes Sangare’s signing particularly notable is the nature of the transfer. City have secured his services on a free transfer, representing exceptional value in today’s inflated market. The five-year contract, beginning July 1st, suggests the club views him as a long-term investment rather than a quick fix. Having already passed his medical at the Etihad, Sangare’s integration into City’s system can begin immediately upon his arrival.

The signing of Rayan Cherki from Lyon for approximately £30 million represents another significant addition to City’s attacking options. The French talent brings creativity, pace, and technical ability that could prove crucial in replacing some of the creative output lost with De Bruyne’s departure. Cherki’s versatility across multiple attacking positions aligns perfectly with Guardiola’s preference for fluid, interchangeable forward lines.

Midfield Reinforcement: The Reijnders Pursuit

Central to City’s summer strategy has been their pursuit of AC Milan’s Tijjani Reijnders, with reports suggesting the Netherlands international could command a fee of £55 million. The 26-year-old’s impressive season with Milan, where he scored 15 goals across all competitions, has attracted City’s attention as they seek to address their midfield creativity deficit.

Reijnders’ apparent eagerness to join City has been evidenced by reports that he cancelled a planned family holiday to Ibiza to facilitate the transfer. This dedication to completing the move suggests a player fully committed to the project Guardiola is building. His experience at the highest level, combined with his goal-scoring ability from midfield, makes him an ideal candidate to help fill the creative void left by De Bruyne’s departure.

The timing of City’s pursuit is particularly strategic, coinciding with the special transfer window for clubs participating in the revamped Club World Cup. This allows City to integrate Reijnders into their squad before the tournament begins, providing valuable time for tactical integration and team chemistry development.

Defensive Evolution: The Ait-Nouri Connection

City’s defensive rebuild has focused significantly on the left-back position, with Wolves’ Rayan Ait-Nouri emerging as their primary target. The 23-year-old Algerian international’s impressive statistics—five goals and seven assists in 41 appearances for Wolves—demonstrate his ability to contribute at both ends of the pitch.

The pursuit of Ait-Nouri is particularly interesting when considered alongside City’s existing personnel. The signing would likely facilitate Josko Gvardiol’s transition from left-back to his preferred center-back role, a move that has been welcomed enthusiastically by City supporters. Gvardiol’s performances at center-back, particularly in partnership with Ruben Dias toward the end of the season, proved crucial in securing Champions League qualification.

The Croatian international’s adaptation to English football has been remarkable, with his £77 million price tag from RB Leipzig initially raising eyebrows. However, his versatility and consistent performances have vindicated the investment, and his potential permanent move to center-back could unlock even greater value from the transfer.

The Gvardiol Factor: Defensive Transformation

The emergence of Gvardiol as a key figure in City’s defensive plans represents one of the most positive developments from their challenging season. Despite the team’s overall struggles, the young defender has been a standout performer, earning recognition as the club’s player of the season in a BBC Sport poll with 52% of the vote.

Gvardiol’s journey from expensive acquisition to fan favorite illustrates the patience and planning that characterizes City’s approach to squad building. His ability to excel at both left-back and center-back provides Guardiola with tactical flexibility, while his partnership with Dias suggests a potentially formidable defensive foundation for future seasons.

The fan reaction to Ait-Nouri’s potential signing has been overwhelmingly positive, largely because it would allow Gvardiol to focus on his preferred central role. Comments such as “Finally Gvardiol CB full time” and “Gvardiol is arguably one of the first names on the team sheet at CB” reflect the supporters’ confidence in his defensive capabilities.

Strategic Additions: Building for the Future

Beyond the headline signings, City’s summer business has included several strategic additions that demonstrate their commitment to squad depth and future planning. The reported £12.5 million deal for Rosenborg’s Sverre Nypan represents another investment in youth, with the attacking midfielder having previously attracted interest from Manchester United and Aston Villa.

The signing of Marcus Bettinelli as backup goalkeeper, while less glamorous, addresses a crucial squad depth issue. These pragmatic additions, combined with the high-profile arrivals, suggest a comprehensive approach to squad building that addresses both immediate needs and long-term planning.

Guardiola’s Philosophy: Energy and Renewal

Guardiola’s approach to the summer rebuild has been characterized by his emphasis on energy and renewal. His comments about the transformative power of new signings reveal a manager who understands the psychological as well as tactical benefits of squad refreshment: “The new ones, younger people and new players, they always bring this energy and this energy revitalises a lot.”

This philosophy extends beyond mere squad rotation to encompass a broader vision of continuous evolution. Guardiola’s acknowledgment that “changing players and staff is really good” reflects his understanding that even successful teams must adapt and evolve to maintain their competitive edge.

The manager’s emphasis on energy over additional trophies—”It’s not going to change my life one Premier League more or less in my period in Man City”—suggests a leader focused on the process of improvement rather than simply accumulating silverware. This mindset could prove crucial in City’s efforts to return to the pinnacle of English and European football.

The Club World Cup: A Testing Ground

City’s participation in the revamped Club World Cup provides an immediate opportunity to test their new signings and tactical approaches. The tournament, featuring matches against Wydad AC, Al Ain, and Juventus, offers a perfect laboratory for Guardiola to experiment with different combinations and systems.

The special transfer window for participating clubs has allowed City to accelerate their business, with the Reijnders signing potentially completed in time for the tournament. This timing could prove crucial in building team chemistry and tactical understanding before the new Premier League season begins.

Looking Forward: The Long-Term Vision

City’s summer business represents more than a simple response to a disappointing season; it signals a comprehensive reimagining of the squad for the challenges ahead. The blend of youth and experience, domestic talent and international stars, suggests a club committed to maintaining its competitive edge while preparing for the next phase of its evolution.

The focus on younger players like Sangare and Nypan indicates confidence in the club’s development systems and a commitment to building for the future. Meanwhile, the pursuit of established talents like Reijnders and Ait-Nouri demonstrates the immediate ambition to return to title-winning form.

Conclusion: A New Chapter Begins

As Manchester City prepares for the new season, the scale and scope of their summer rebuild suggests a club determined to learn from its setbacks and emerge stronger. The combination of strategic signings, tactical evolution, and renewed energy under Guardiola’s guidance creates the foundation for what could be a transformative period in the club’s history.

The true measure of this summer’s work will be determined on the pitch, but the early signs suggest a club and manager committed to the continuous improvement that has characterized their most successful periods. With new faces bringing fresh energy and established stars refocused on collective success, Manchester City appears poised to write the next chapter in their remarkable story.

The upcoming season will test whether this comprehensive rebuild can restore City to their accustomed position at the summit of English football. If successful, it will stand as a testament to the club’s resilience and Guardiola’s enduring ability to reinvent his teams. The stage is set for what promises to be one of the most intriguing seasons in recent memory.