Manchester City is reportedly planning a significant squad overhaul during the upcoming summer transfer window, with several elite players emerging on their radar. After spending a substantial £180 million in January to bring in Abdukodir Khusanov, Omar Marmoush, Vitor Reis, and Nico Gonzalez, the club is not resting on its laurels and is keen to strengthen the squad further. Despite the major investments in January, manager Pep Guardiola is reportedly targeting more signings, with concerns over several aging or injury-prone players, including star figures such as Kevin de Bruyne and John Stones.
These concerns have pushed Manchester City to explore the transfer market more aggressively. Football Insider has revealed that the club has five high-profile players lined up and is prepared to spend significantly when the transfer window reopens at the end of the season. One of the most notable players now on City’s radar is Borussia Dortmund’s rising star, Jamie Gittens, a winger who had previously come through Manchester City’s academy before leaving in 2020 for a better chance at regular first-team football in Germany.
Since making the move to Dortmund, Gittens has quickly become a prominent figure at the club, accumulating 94 senior appearances and showcasing his talent in the Bundesliga. Now, as Gittens approaches a potential return to English football, Manchester City has reportedly entered the race to sign him, with the 20-year-old eager to test himself in the Premier League.
The competition for Gittens’ signature is fierce, with Chelsea already showing interest. However, the fact that the young winger left Manchester City’s academy only a few years ago has prompted the club to consider the possibility of bringing him back. Gittens’ rise at Dortmund has caught the attention of several top clubs, and Manchester City is among the potential suitors. Liverpool is also reportedly monitoring the situation, with scouts having watched Gittens in action and the club ready to challenge other Premier League giants for his services.
Despite the interest from Manchester City, Paul Robinson, a former England goalkeeper, has expressed some reservations about Gittens potentially moving back to the Etihad. Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Robinson discussed Gittens’ future and suggested that the 20-year-old might prioritize the promise of regular first-team football over the prospect of moving to a club with as much competition for places as Manchester City. Robinson pointed out that Gittens has been enjoying his football at Dortmund, where he has been given consistent opportunities in the first team. Moving to a club like City, with its deep squad and rotation policy, might not offer the same level of regular playing time.
Robinson noted that while Manchester City would undoubtedly provide Gittens with valuable experience, he might find himself struggling to secure a place in the starting lineup week in, week out. The winger has become accustomed to regular minutes in the Bundesliga, and moving to a club where he might not play as often could stall his development. According to Robinson, Gittens’ decision may hinge on which club promises him a clearer pathway to first-team football.
The fact that Gittens is under contract with Borussia Dortmund until 2028 means that any potential move would likely involve a significant transfer fee. Dortmund would likely demand a high price for their talented young winger, especially considering the increasing interest from Premier League clubs. The Bundesliga club has a history of selling players to top English sides, and Gittens could be the next to make that switch.
Robinson went on to emphasize that Gittens’ path back to the Premier League could follow a well-established route, with many young players making the move from Germany to England. However, for Gittens, the most crucial factor will likely be the guarantee of playing time. At just 20 years old, Gittens is still in the early stages of his career, and it is essential for him to play regularly in order to continue his development.
While Manchester City is interested in bringing Gittens back, there are other clubs that might offer him more playing time. Chelsea, for example, is undergoing a rebuild and could provide him with more opportunities to feature in their starting lineup. Similarly, Liverpool’s interest shows that other top Premier League clubs see Gittens as a potential future star, and they might offer him the chance to develop at a different pace compared to City, where competition for places is particularly fierce.
Another key consideration for Gittens is his own readiness to make the jump to the Premier League. Although he has made significant strides at Dortmund, the English top tier presents a different level of intensity and pressure. Gittens will need to assess whether he is prepared to handle the demands of playing for one of the biggest clubs in the world, especially if that means potentially being part of a rotation system rather than being a regular starter.
Meanwhile, Manchester City continues to focus on its broader squad overhaul. With Guardiola and his recruitment team working behind the scenes, the club is aiming to strengthen its squad after what has been a mixed season so far. While City remains competitive in various competitions, Guardiola has expressed frustration with the inconsistent performances, particularly with some of the club’s aging stars not performing at their best. This has led the club to explore possible moves in the summer transfer window, with several high-profile signings expected.
At the same time, there are growing questions about the futures of certain players within the squad. For instance, there have been ongoing rumors regarding the future of James McAtee, the young midfielder currently on loan, and whether City will move him on as part of their summer plans. Additionally, there is uncertainty surrounding the long-term future of Bernardo Silva, whose potential move to MLS has been rumored, with reports suggesting interest from San Diego FC.
As the summer transfer window approaches, it’s clear that Manchester City will be active in both strengthening their squad and potentially making tough decisions about players who no longer fit into Guardiola’s vision. The club’s ability to attract high-caliber talent will depend on their ability to offer playing time and the chance to compete at the highest level, something that players like Gittens will need to weigh carefully as they consider their futures.
As the Premier League season continues and attention turns to the summer transfer window, Manchester City’s plans for a squad overhaul will undoubtedly take center stage. With several high-profile signings already lined up, including Gittens, City is preparing for an exciting period of transition, which could shape the future of the club for years to come.
