Manchester City has completed a comprehensive squad overhaul, including a fully revamped midfield, at a cost of £458m. This figure sets a new Premier League record for a single summer window. The investment reflects the full backing provided to new manager Enzo Maresca by director of football Hugo Viana following Maresca’s appointment to replace Pep Guardiola.
Midfield Reconstruction
The club’s financial commitment was highlighted by the acquisition of three key midfielders: Elliot Anderson, Enzo Fernandez, and Ayyoub Bouaddi, who cost a combined £327m. City’s record transfer fee was broken twice this summer. A joint-British record £125m was spent on Maresca’s former Chelsea skipper Enzo Fernandez, following a £116m deal for Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson. Additionally, 18-year-old Morocco international Ayyoub Bouaddi was signed for £86m.
Strategic Evolution
The midfield transformation follows the departures of captain Bernardo Silva, 2024 Ballon d’Or winner Rodri, Tijjani Reijnders, and Nico Gonzalez. Senior club sources expressed satisfaction with the recent business, noting that plans were accelerated in January to secure long-term targets Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guehi. If the clock is rewound further back, Manchester City’s rebuild of the team that won the 2023 Champions League really began in January 2025 after a difficult start to that season.
Squad Depth and Future Outlook
- Only four players remain from the squad that defeated Inter Milan in the 2023 Champions League final.
- Maresca now possesses the luxury of two established players in almost every position.
- The club believes the current squad is stronger than at the start of last season, attributing this to a calm, consistent transfer strategy.
- Questions remain regarding whether the heavy investment has left the team without adequate cover for striker Erling Haaland.
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