Manchester City’s campaign continues to face challenges both on and off the pitch, with their recent match against Aston Villa marred by controversy. During the April 22nd clash at the Etihad Stadium, a contentious VAR decision became the center of attention when referee Craig Pawson awarded Villa a penalty after initially waving away appeals following a collision between Ruben Dias and Jacob Ramsey.
The incident, which occurred after City had taken the lead through Bernardo Silva, saw Dias trip Ramsey inside the box. Pawson initially showed no interest in the collision until being instructed to review the footage on the pitchside monitor. After the review, he pointed to the spot, prompting vociferous protests from City players and fans alike.
Adding fuel to the controversy, replays of the incident were shown on the stadium’s big screen before the penalty was taken, leading to Sky Sports commentator Gary Neville questioning on air: “He leaves his right leg in, it’s clever. They showed a replay on the big screen… are they allowed to do that?”
The Premier League later issued a statement clarifying their decision: “VAR checked the referee’s call of no penalty to Aston Villa for a challenge by Dias on Ramsey – and deemed there was a clear trip and recommended an on-field review. The referee overturned the original decision and awarded a penalty to Aston Villa.”
Sky Sports host Kelly Cates subsequently confirmed during the broadcast that replays are indeed permitted to be shown when a decision is overturned by VAR. The resulting penalty was confidently converted by Marcus Rashford, sending Stefan Ortega the wrong way to level the score at 1-1.
The incident visibly frustrated City manager Pep Guardiola, who was booked for his protests, as was Dias himself. This moment of controversy exemplifies the kind of fine margins that have perhaps contributed to what sources close to the club describe as a “disappointing season” by City’s lofty standards—a situation that has accelerated plans for significant squad reinforcement this summer.
Manchester City appear to be wasting no time in the transfer market as preparations for the post-Kevin De Bruyne era begin in earnest. The Premier League champions are already making significant moves under the guidance of their new Director of Football, Hugo Viana, with Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa emerging as the club’s likely first summer acquisition.
According to credible reports from Foot Mercato, the Portuguese international has given his approval for a transfer to the Etihad Stadium after being impressed by the project presented to him. Despite Costa having a release clause valued at £64 million, Manchester City executives believe they can negotiate a more favorable deal in the region of £50 million—a significant investment that nonetheless represents good value in today’s inflated goalkeeping market.
The timing of this move aligns with growing concerns about Ederson’s long-term future at the club. The Brazilian shot-stopper has battled persistent groin injuries over the past twelve months, affecting his availability and potentially his performance levels. With just one year remaining on his contract come June, City face the prospect of losing their established number one for free in 2026 if they don’t act decisively this summer.
Industry insiders suggest Jorge Mendes—the super-agent with whom Viana maintains a strong professional relationship—is actively working to finalize the transfer. This connection could prove invaluable in securing favorable terms for all parties involved, particularly as Mendes represents numerous Portuguese players who have successfully made the transition to Premier League football.
At just 25 years old, Costa represents both an immediate upgrade and a long-term investment for the Citizens. His development at Porto has been remarkable, with the goalkeeper keeping an impressive 18 clean sheets in 41 appearances across all competitions this season. Such statistics have earned him recognition from some of the most respected names in football goalkeeping.
Former Portuguese international Vitor Baia didn’t mince words when assessing Costa’s abilities, describing him as simply “the best in the world” in his position. Perhaps even more telling was the endorsement from legendary goalkeeper Iker Casillas, who stated: “Diogo Costa is becoming a world-class goalkeeper. He’s a star. He’s going to be a great goalkeeper.”
Costa’s technical proficiency and command of his penalty area have been complemented by exceptional distribution skills—a non-negotiable attribute for any goalkeeper hoping to thrive in Pep Guardiola’s system. His comfort with the ball at his feet and ability to initiate attacks from deep positions align perfectly with City’s possession-based philosophy.
For a club that has always prioritized excellence in every position, securing a goalkeeper of Costa’s caliber represents a statement of intent. Should the transfer materialize as expected, Manchester City could have their goalkeeping position secured for the next decade, providing stability and world-class performance between the posts as they continue their domestic and European ambitions.
In what could be one of the summer’s most intriguing storylines, Manchester City are reportedly considering a move to bring Pedro Porro back to the Etihad Stadium—a player they originally signed in 2019 but who never made a first-team appearance for the club before being sold to Sporting CP in 2022.
The right-back position has become an area of concern for City following Kyle Walker’s decline in performance and subsequent departure, with the club’s hierarchy now prioritizing this position for reinforcement. Porro, currently at Tottenham Hotspur, has developed into one of the Premier League’s most effective right-backs and appears tailor-made for Guardiola’s system with his technical ability and attacking instincts.
According to TBR Football, Tottenham might be surprisingly open to negotiations, with the North London club reportedly viewing Djed Spence as their long-term solution at right-back. The report suggests Spurs would consider offers in excess of £50 million for the Spanish defender—a substantial figure, but one that aligns with City’s willingness to invest heavily in defensive talent.
While any deal would undoubtedly face resistance from sections of the Tottenham fanbase, particularly given the prospect of strengthening a direct Premier League rival, the financial aspects could make sense for all parties. For City, acquiring a player already proven in the Premier League and familiar with the club’s infrastructure represents a lower-risk strategy than recruiting from overseas leagues.
Porro’s potential return would be particularly fascinating given his career trajectory since leaving City. After failing to break into Guardiola’s plans initially, the 25-year-old excelled in Portugal before earning his move to Tottenham, where his performances have attracted interest from multiple elite clubs, including Real Madrid. His development stands as both a testament to City’s eye for talent and a cautionary tale about the challenges of timing in player development.
While City look to strengthen their squad with new additions, the club is also preparing for the departure of one of their greatest ever players. Kevin De Bruyne’s imminent exit, confirmed by the club several weeks ago, marks the end of an extraordinary chapter in Manchester City’s history.
The Belgian maestro has been instrumental in City’s domestic dominance under Pep Guardiola, delivering countless moments of brilliance that have defined the club’s most successful era. De Bruyne’s vision, passing range, and leadership qualities have set the standard for midfield excellence in the Premier League.
Aston Villa captain John McGinn recently shared his thoughts on De Bruyne ahead of what could be their final Premier League encounter: “It’ll be strange obviously. Hope it won’t be the last time we play against him, but what a career he’s had at Man City. One of the Premier League’s greatest ever midfielders, just had everything really.”
McGinn, who has faced De Bruyne numerous times over the years, added: “A couple of those league titles that they came back and, when everyone expected them not to win the league, he kind of picked them up with the scruff of the neck and showed unbelievable quality and desire. I’ve met him a couple of times, good guy, really humble, and I wish him all the best in whatever he does – but certainly if it’s not the Premier League next season, thank goodness!”
While De Bruyne’s next destination remains unconfirmed, there has been substantial speculation linking him with a move to Major League Soccer in the United States. At 33 years old, the midfielder still has plenty to offer at an elite level, but both player and club appear to have recognized the right moment for a new chapter to begin.
The aforementioned penalty incident against City featured Marcus Rashford, currently on loan at Aston Villa, as the principal beneficiary. His confident conversion from the spot demonstrated the quality that prompted Villa manager Unai Emery to make the controversial decision to start him ahead of Ollie Watkins for their crucial match at the Etihad.
This selection decision follows an increasingly public disagreement between Emery and Watkins, with the England striker recently expressing his frustration at being dropped for Villa’s Champions League fixtures against Paris Saint-Germain in favor of Rashford. Following Villa’s impressive 4-1 victory over Newcastle United—a match in which Watkins scored inside the first minute and provided an assist—the forward made his feelings clear in a post-match interview.
“Champions League, we’ve put in a lot of hard graft in the last few years to get to that position,” Watkins told Sky Sports. “I played 20 minutes against PSG in both games, so I’m not going to lie – I was fuming I wasn’t playing. I let him (Emery) know that. He’s the manager at the end of the day. I respect his decision. But I’m not one of the players happy to sit on the bench.”
Emery’s decision to again start Rashford against City, dropping Watkins to the bench, appears to be a direct response to these comments. The Spanish manager, renowned for his tactical discipline and squad management, appears determined to assert his authority despite Watkins’ impressive domestic form.
This situation at Villa Park will be of particular interest to Manchester City’s recruitment team, especially given recent reports linking Watkins with potential moves to elite Premier League clubs. Should the relationship between player and manager deteriorate further, City could view the proven Premier League goalscorer as an attractive option to enhance their attacking options ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
Hugo Viana’s early weeks as Director of Football have been characterized by proactive engagement with European counterparts, with Bayer Leverkusen emerging as key transfer partners. The German club, who have enjoyed a phenomenal season under Xabi Alonso, have expressed interest in acquiring two Manchester City players—academy graduate James McAtee and experienced goalkeeper Stefan Ortega.
McAtee’s development has been closely monitored by several Bundesliga clubs after impressive loan spells in the Championship. His technical ability and game intelligence make him an attractive proposition for a Leverkusen side known for nurturing young talent. Ortega, meanwhile, has proven himself a reliable deputy during his time at the Etihad but may seek a more prominent role as he enters the latter stages of his career.
More significantly, these discussions have provided a platform for City to register their interest in Leverkusen’s crown jewel, Florian Wirtz. The 22-year-old German international has emerged as one of Europe’s most exciting attacking midfielders, combining creative flair with consistent end product. His performances have been central to Leverkusen’s recent success, attracting attention from elite clubs across the continent.
For Manchester City, Wirtz represents the ideal candidate to fill the creative void left by De Bruyne’s departure. His ability to operate in multiple attacking positions, exceptional close control, and eye for a defense-splitting pass align perfectly with Guardiola’s requirements for an advanced playmaker. While securing his signature will undoubtedly require a substantial financial commitment, City’s willingness to include players in potential negotiations could facilitate a deal that satisfies all parties.
In what would represent another statement signing, reports suggest Manchester City are preparing a £69 million offer for Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali. The Italian international, who joined Newcastle from AC Milan, has been identified as a target despite his recent difficulties.
Tonali’s addition would add further quality to City’s midfield options, potentially providing a more defensively secure presence alongside Rodri or offering competition for the Spaniard in the holding role. His technical ability and tactical intelligence would complement City’s possession-based approach, while his experience at the highest level ensures he could make an immediate impact.
Newcastle’s willingness to consider offers remains unclear, particularly given the substantial investment they made in securing Tonali’s services. However, sources close to the player suggest he may be open to a new challenge, with City’s consistent presence in the Champions League and trophy-winning pedigree representing powerful attraction factors.
The potential acquisition of both Wirtz and Tonali would represent a comprehensive midfield overhaul, addressing the loss of De Bruyne while potentially enhancing the team’s structural balance. Such ambitious targets underline City’s determination to maintain their competitive edge despite recent disappointments.
While Wirtz may be the dream target for the De Bruyne succession plan, Manchester City are demonstrating typical thoroughness by maintaining interest in alternative options. Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White has emerged as a particularly intriguing prospect, having established himself as one of the Premier League’s most effective English midfielders.
At 25, Gibbs-White offers the perfect blend of immediate readiness and future potential—crucial factors for a club that must balance short-term competitiveness with long-term planning. His creative statistics compare favorably with the division’s established stars, while his pressing intensity and defensive work rate address the all-round requirements of Guardiola’s system.
Perhaps most significantly, Gibbs-White’s existing friendship with City talisman Phil Foden could accelerate his integration into the squad. The two have maintained a close relationship since representing England at youth level, potentially providing the foundation for a midfield partnership that could serve both club and country for years to come.
New Director of Football Viana is reportedly an admirer of the Forest playmaker, having tracked his development since his breakthrough at Wolverhampton Wanderers. The Portuguese executive’s endorsement carries significant weight within City’s transfer committee, particularly given his reputation for identifying players with both technical quality and the psychological attributes needed to thrive in high-pressure environments.
As Manchester City prepare for life after De Bruyne, all signs point to Phil Foden assuming greater responsibility as the team’s creative fulcrum. The Stockport-born playmaker has enjoyed his most productive season to date, combining consistent performance levels with match-defining contributions across all competitions.
Former Manchester United striker Teddy Sheringham recently offered his perspective on how De Bruyne’s departure might impact Foden’s development: “I think we’ll see Phil step up and become the main man at City. He’s been learning from Kevin for years now, and you can see elements of De Bruyne’s game that he’s incorporated into his own. The timing is perfect for him to take center stage.”
Foden’s technical brilliance has never been in question, but his tactical maturity and leadership qualities have developed significantly under Guardiola’s guidance. Now 24 years old, the England international appears ready to be the player around whom City build their attacking structure—a responsibility he has embraced whenever De Bruyne has been absent through injury or rotation.
Mateo Kovacic, who joined City from Chelsea last summer, recently made the remarkable claim that Foden possesses even greater natural talent than his former Real Madrid teammate Luka Modric: “Phil is a special talent, maybe even better than Luka in some aspects. His understanding of space, his first touch, his ability to turn in tight areas—these are qualities you cannot teach. We are very fortunate to have him.”
Such high praise from established professionals underlines the confidence within the club that Foden can successfully transition from supporting cast to leading man. His connection with the supporters as a homegrown talent adds an emotional dimension to this evolution—the local boy becoming the standard-bearer for one of world football’s most ambitious projects.
As Manchester City navigate the challenges of their current campaign, including controversial moments like the recent VAR incident against Aston Villa, the club’s hierarchy remains focused on constructing a squad capable of dominating domestic and European competition for years to come. The impending departure of Kevin De Bruyne has accelerated planning for the next phase of the club’s development, with Hugo Viana’s appointment as Director of Football signaling a refreshed approach to recruitment.
The transfer targets already identified—including Diogo Costa, Pedro Porro, Florian Wirtz, and Sandro Tonali—represent a balanced mix of established quality and future potential. Each prospect has been selected not only for their individual excellence but also for their compatibility with Guardiola’s demanding tactical system.
While significant investment will be required to secure these primary targets, City’s financial strategy appears increasingly sophisticated, balancing ambitious recruitment with sustainable business practices. The willingness to explore player-plus-cash arrangements and the focus on securing value even when pursuing elite talent indicates a mature approach to squad building in the current regulatory environment.
For City supporters, the summer of 2025 promises to be both poignant and exciting—marking the end of the De Bruyne era while potentially ushering in a new generation of stars capable of maintaining the club’s position at the pinnacle of English and European football. With Phil Foden ready to assume greater creative responsibility and new arrivals set to inject fresh energy into the squad, the foundations for continued success appear solid despite the disappointments of the current campaign.
As the season reaches its conclusion, attention will increasingly turn to these transfer machinations, with the effectiveness of Viana’s first window likely to significantly influence perceptions of City’s medium-term prospects. Based on the targets identified and the strategic approach being adopted, there remains every reason for optimism that Manchester City’s trajectory will continue upward despite the inevitable challenges of transition and renewal.
