Transfers
Manchester City’s summer rebuild takes shape with Anderson and Monga
Manchester City have moved decisively to reshape their squad for the 2026-27 season. Elliott Anderson’s arrival from Nottingham Forest was announced, with the 23-year-old returning from England duty before further club details are shared. The fee, reported as a British record £116 million, underscores the scale of City’s ambition under new manager Enzo Maresca.
The club’s activity extends beyond marquee signings. They beat Arsenal to the signature of 16-year-old Jeremy Monga from Leicester City, agreeing to pay £10 million up front with a further £2.5 million in add-ons. The deal reflects Maresca’s direct involvement, described as “the driving force” behind the pursuit of Monga, whom he knew from his time at Leicester.
Goalkeeping and defensive reinforcements are also in focus. City have re-signed academy goalkeeper Pierce Charles, with the 20-year-old poised to serve as James Trafford’s potential replacement amid reported interest from multiple top clubs. At full-back, City’s interest in Chelsea’s Malo Gusto is noted, though his “price tag is considered prohibitively high.”
Morocco international Ayyoub Bouaddi is another target, with City considering either an immediate move or a loan-back arrangement to Lille. The flexibility Bouaddi offers—including the possibility of playing right-back—highlights City’s adaptable approach to squad planning.
The departures of Bernardo Silva and John Stones have already been confirmed, while Nathan Ake is heading to Fenerbahce and Mateo Kovacic is “also considered likely to leave.” James Trafford and Savinho are among others facing uncertainty, alongside Nico Gonzalez and Omar Marmoush.
Even Rodri’s future is not guaranteed, with reports suggesting he “has not yet signed a new deal and may not sign one at all.” The scale of turnover means every incoming signing carries heightened significance, with missed targets potentially exposing gaps in the squad.
City’s summer activity is not merely a routine refresh but a strategic overhaul. The Anderson deal, in particular, signals a willingness to pay a premium for a player deemed central to the next cycle. For Monga, the £12.5 million commitment reflects long-term confidence in both the player and Maresca’s vision.
The window’s defining feature may yet be the departures. With Silva, Stones, Ake, and Kovacic all set to leave, the squad City field next season could look markedly different from the one that finished the last campaign.