Manchester City has faced a significant setback in their efforts to sign Theo Hernandez, the AC Milan left-back, as reports indicate that Hernandez is keen on returning to Real Madrid. The 27-year-old French international has been a standout performer for Milan since joining them in 2019, contributing 33 goals and 44 assists in 247 appearances, and helping them win Serie A in 2022. However, his recent form has not been up to par, with fans criticizing his performances, leading Milan to potentially consider selling him if they receive a good offer.
Manchester City has been interested in Hernandez as part of their plans to sign a new left-back, and if they miss out on their primary target Andrea Cambiaso from Juventus, Hernandez is expected to be a fallback option. Real Madrid’s interest in Hernandez has also been noted, as he previously played for the Spanish giants from 2017 to 2019, although he struggled to make a significant impact there. Despite this, he was part of the Madrid squad that won the 2017-18 Champions League. Hernandez is reportedly determined to return to Madrid, seeing it as a significant step forward in his career. His representatives claim that he is willing to make efforts to facilitate a move back to the Bernabeu.
In addition to the pursuit of Hernandez, Manchester City is also interested in Florian Wirtz, one of Europe’s top young attacking midfielders. The 21-year-old Bayer Leverkusen star has been in excellent form, scoring 15 goals and providing 12 assists in 35 appearances this season. His release clause is reportedly set at £115million, and while Bayer Leverkusen is keen to keep him, City fears that Wirtz may have other plans. Manchester City’s manager, Pep Guardiola, is particularly interested in Nico Paz, an Argentina international attacking midfielder currently with Como, and the club may pursue him in the summer transfer window. Other clubs, including Arsenal and Inter Milan, have also shown interest in Paz, while Real Madrid is reportedly considering triggering a buy-back clause in his contract.
Meanwhile, Manchester United is set to challenge Manchester City for the signing of Charles de Ketelaere, the Belgian attacking midfielder. City has shortlisted de Ketelaere as a potential replacement for Kevin De Bruyne, but United is also keen on the player. City is bracing for a possible summer clear-out, with several players, including Bernardo Silva, John Stones, Mateo Kovacic, and Ilkay Gundogan, expected to leave the club. This summer could be a significant period for City, as they look to strengthen their squad and address key positions.
Manchester United’s plans are also taking shape, with the club reportedly attempting to hijack Real Madrid’s efforts to sign a €90million player. This move indicates the competitive nature of the upcoming transfer market, with several clubs vying for top players. Meanwhile, the future of players such as Alexander Isak at Newcastle United and Dominic Calvert-Lewin at Everton remains uncertain, with decisions on their futures expected soon.
Football fans are also looking ahead to the potential summer signings for other teams, with clubs like Arsenal, Liverpool, and Bayern Munich all expected to make moves in the market. As the transfer window approaches, more rumors and speculations are likely to emerge, with several teams looking to bolster their squads for the upcoming seasons.
