The transfer deadline for British clubs closed yesterday, and Manchester City experienced a relatively quiet window in terms of new signings. However, it was a different story when it came to outgoings, with several players departing the Etihad Stadium. The most notable exit was that of Julian Alvarez, who joined Atletico Madrid for a reported fee of £82 million.
When the summer window opened, there was more attention on players rumoured to leave than on potential signings. Key players like Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, Ederson, and Julian Alvarez were all speculated to be considering exits from Man City, with the club determined to retain them.
In July, Man City announced the arrival of Savinho and confirmed the departures of fringe players like Sergio Gomez and Tommy Doyle. August proved to be a busy month, with Alvarez and Joao Cancelo completing permanent transfers to Atletico Madrid and Al Hilal, respectively. In a surprising twist, fan favourite Ilkay Gundogan made a shock return to Manchester on a free transfer from Barcelona.
Overall, Pep Guardiola will likely be content with the window. The club successfully retained De Bruyne, Silva, and Ederson for at least another season, and they also managed to generate significant transfer fees for players who were not central to Guardiola’s plans. Savinho and Gundogan are astute additions who will undoubtedly bolster the squad as City aim for a record-extending fifth consecutive Premier League title.
Manchester City 2024 summer transfer activity
Incomings:
Savinho (20, Winger): Joined from French side Troyes for an initial reported fee of £21 million, with the final amount potentially rising to £33.6 million after add-ons.
Ilkay Gundogan (33, Central Midfielder): Returned to the Etihad Stadium on a free transfer from Barcelona.
Outgoings:
Tommy Doyle (22, Midfielder): Moved to Wolverhampton Wanderers on a permanent deal, with City receiving £4.3 million.
Taylor Harwood-Bellis (22, Centre-Back): Joined Southampton on a permanent deal for £20 million following their promotion to the Premier League.
Sergio Gomez (23, Fullback): Transferred to Real Sociedad for a reported fee of £8.4 million.
Liam Delap (21, Forward): Signed for newly promoted Ipswich Town on a permanent deal worth up to £20 million, including add-ons.
Micah Hamilton (20, Attacker): Joined Middlesbrough, with the Championship side paying £3.5 million.
Julian Alvarez (24, Forward): Completed a permanent transfer to Atletico Madrid for £82 million, setting a record sale for City.
Joao Cancelo (30, Defender): Moved to Al Hilal for a reported fee of £21 million.
