Manchester City’s Summer Transfer Goals: Priorities for Enzo Maresca and Hugo Viana

The illustrious Pep Guardiola era at Manchester City concluded last month, wrapping up the 2025-26 season with both the EFL Cup and FA Cup. Following this emotional farewell, Enzo Maresca, Guardiola’s former assistant, is stepping into the managerial role on an initial three-year contract.

As one of the wealthiest clubs in global football, Manchester City has consistently blended high-profile signings with a robust scouting system aimed at discovering emerging talents who can evolve into first-team stars.

Hugo Viana, the Director of Football, has already initiated a significant overhaul of the first team since his appointment 18 months ago. With aspirations to reclaim the Premier League title from Arsenal, he is expected to be actively involved in the upcoming transfer window.

This article explores Manchester City’s key priorities for the summer transfer window of 2026.

Top Transfer Target: Elliot Anderson

© Iconsport.

One of the worst-kept secrets this summer is that Manchester City has identified Nottingham Forest and England midfielder Elliot Anderson as their top target. Following Bernardo Silva’s departure, City seeks a dynamic midfielder to fill the void, and Anderson fits that description perfectly. He leads midfielders in several key metrics for the 2025-26 Premier League season, including touches (3,300), possession won (306), fouls won (80), duels won (297), line-breaking passes (376), and successful passes (2,038).

However, acquiring Anderson is proving to be a challenge. Nottingham Forest has rejected two significant bids from City, including one that set a club record at an initial £106 million plus £15 million in performance-related add-ons. The club is reportedly holding out for a total closer to £130 million.

Chairman Khaldoon Al-Mubarak may consider walking away from negotiations as he views their latest offer as fair for a player without Champions League experience. Since much of Viana’s squad restructuring is complete, City may need to commit to Forest’s asking price if they truly believe Anderson is their ideal midfield addition.

Second Priority: Upgrade Savinho

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This past January, Manchester City made a shrewd acquisition by signing Antoine Semenyo, who performed well on the right flank alongside Jeremy Doku on the left during last season’s second half. In contrast, Savinho has struggled to meet expectations at City. Despite showcasing remarkable pace and dribbling skills on both wings, he has only netted seven goals in 84 appearances.

Tottenham Hotspur is reportedly advancing discussions to sign Savinho for a deal potentially exceeding £60 million, which City should seriously contemplate accepting before pursuing an upgrade on him this summer.

Additionally, Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye has emerged as a potential target for City amidst interest from Manchester United. Meanwhile, RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande and Real Madrid’s Rodrygo have also been linked with a move to City; however, Rodrygo is currently sidelined due to a long-term knee injury.

Third Priority: Retain Key Players Post-Guardiola

© Imago / Craig Mercer.

With Guardiola’s exit, Manchester City faces the risk of losing several star players who may question their future success under new management. A silver lining is that key defender Josko Gvardiol is reportedly set to sign a new long-term contract with the club.

However, uncertainty looms over midfielder Rodri’s future as he approaches the final year of his contract and has stated he will decide after the 2026 World Cup. City hopes to extend Rodri’s deal given his importance in their squad; finding a replacement that matches his unique skill set could be difficult.

Ruben Dias is another player linked with an exit recently; however, City might persuade him to remain by offering enhanced leadership opportunities and assurances of regular playing time.

Conversely, striker Erling Haaland appears unlikely to depart soon despite ongoing interest from Real Madrid. He signed an impressive nine-and-a-half-year contract with City in January 2025 that keeps him tied until summer 2034.

Additionally, City aims to finalize new contracts for Phil Foden and Doku; Foden reportedly has agreed on a four-year extension while Doku expects a pay rise following his strong performance during the past season.