Signed in February for a hefty £50 million from Porto, Spanish midfielder Nico Gonzalez dazzled City’s hierarchy but has quickly found himself on the fringes of Pep Guardiola’s plans and may already be preparing for a surprise departure this summer.

From £50m Hope to Exit Threat: Nico Gonzalez’s Manchester City U‑Turn

Gonzalez snapped up a mid-season opportunity to fill in for the suspended Rodri, making 17 appearances across competitions and already registering two goals yet he’s struggled to cement a starting role.

His sole appearance at the FIFA Club World Cup came in the group-stage game against Al-Ain, and Guardiola’s confidence in him appears to have waned.

The midfield picture darkened further with the arrival of Tijjani Reijnders from AC Milan for approximately €55 million.

The Dutchman is expected to slot straight into the first-team rotation, intensifying competition in the engine room and pushing Gonzalez further down the pecking order.

According to journalist Graeme Bailey, Gonzalez’s camp has already begun exploring opportunities for a summer exit, with multiple clubs on both sides of the globe including some ambitious Saudi Pro League outfits registered interest.

It’s a startling shift for a 23‑year‑old who seemed a long‑term investment, tied down until 2029.

His career-to-date reflects a dramatic arc: from La Masia to Valencia on loan, then standout performances at Porto (42 caps, 7 goals), before making the leap to the Etihad. Now, he’s potentially heading elsewhere after only six months.

For supporters, the situation is bittersweet. Gonzalez arrived amid fanfare as a promising young talent, praised personally by Guardiola for his versatility.

But even the best-laid plans can be disrupted by form, fitness and fierce internal rivalry.

As summer approaches, all eyes will be on City’s midfield strategy and whether Nico Gonzalez can rediscover his spark whether under the Etihad lights or elsewhere.

Manchester City have opened talks with Inter Milan over a summer move for Netherlands international right-back Denzel Dumfries, according to Football Transfers.

Man City Launch €25 M Bid to Land Dumfries Before July Deadline

The Etihad side, having recently sold Kyle Walker to Burnley for around £5 million, are eager to reinforce their right flank and view Dumfries as a top target.

Dumfries, 29, has enjoyed a standout season at Inter, contributing an impressive 11 goals and six assists across 45 appearances in all competitions.

His dynamic attacking style and versatility as both a full-back and wing-back align well with Pep Guardiola’s tactical demands, making him a strong candidate to help fill the void left by Walker.

What makes this move especially appealing for City is the €25 million (£22 million) release clause in Dumfries’s current contract, valid until 15 July.

Some reports suggest the clause could even start as low as €20 million and gradually increase to €30 million before expiration. That pricing window puts Dumfries squarely within Manchester City’s sights for a timely summer transfer.

Adding another layer to the story, Dumfries has recently switched agents, joining the portfolio of super-agent Jorge Mendes, who maintains close ties with City. His representation could prove instrumental in fast-tracking the deal.

Barcelona had also shown interest in activating the clause but have since reportedly dropped out of the race due to financial constraints , and that development could smooth City’s pathway to acquiring the Dutchman.

With City having already spent close to €400 million this summer on signings like Reijnders, Ait‑Nouri, and Cherki, this move would further underscore their ambition.

Manchester City now face a tight deadline but if they move quickly, securing Dumfries for a bargain fee could prove a masterstroke that strengthens their title credentials.

Manchester City have drawn a clear line under any complacency following their trophy-less 2024–25 campaign, finishing third in the Premier League and enduring a disappointing round-of-16 exit at the Club World Cup on 1 July to Al‑Hilal.

Man City to sell stars before signing more, Borson warns

Management have embarked on a summer rebuild, already committing around £112 million to sign Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Cherki, and Rayan Ait‑Nouri.

However, City insiders – including former financial adviser Stefan Borson – have stressed that more signings may depend on player sales.

“I don’t see City being particularly busy until they’ve got some movement on some of the players that need to be exited beyond the three that they bought. I think they need to be selling players now,” Borson told Football Insider.

Pep Guardiola, visibly frustrated, has demanded a leaner squad and reportedly warned he may walk away if forced to work with bloated numbers again next season.

According to Football365, as many as six players, including Jack Grealish, John Stones, Ilkay Gundogan, Kalvin Phillips, Kyle Walker, and James McAtee, are “on the chopping block,” with Grealish’s departure considered “almost certain”.

Captain of England’s U21s during their triumphant European Championship campaign, 22‑year‑old McAtee is expected to leave in search of regular first-team football.

Bundesliga giants including Borussia Dortmund, Bayer Leverkusen, RB Leipzig, Stuttgart, and Eintracht Frankfurt are circling, with City valuing him around £25–£30 million.

McAtee himself favors a move to Germany and is unlikely to rejoin City’s Club World Cup squad, having already sat that one out.

City’s recruitment drive doesn’t stop with exits. They have blitzed the early transfer window, also adding goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli (free from Chelsea) to the ranks.

Still, key concerns remain, most notably who will replace aging stars like Kevin De Bruyne and whether City can finally fend off Arsenal and Liverpool to reclaim the Premier League throne.

As the summer transfer window – set to close on 1 September – accelerates, a balancing act awaits the Etihad faithful: shed the surplus, reinvest shrewdly, and give Guardiola the streamlined squad he demands.

Pep Guardiola is reportedly targeting one of his former protégés as Manchester City’s next long-term goalkeeper: Barcelona’s captain, Marc‑Andre ter Stegen.

City’s Summer Goalkeeping Plan: Ter Stegen to Replace Ederson?

With Ederson’s future at the Etihad still delicate following a trophyless 2024–25 season and high-profile scrutiny at the Club World Cup, City are already exploring contingency plans.

Guardiola’s vision is always clear: agility on the line, precision in distribution, and leadership rooted in quiet authority. That’s why ter Stegen a sweeper-keeper known for his superb ball-playing skills—is a standout fit for Pep’s demands.

Having coached ter Stegen during their shared time in Germany, Guardiola knows the 33-year-old’s strengths intimately.

Barcelona appear to be open to the deal. Ter Stegen has been sidelined this season due to a serious knee injury, and with Espanyol youngster Joan Garcia ready to take over at Camp Nou, Barça are conscious of trimming their wage bill.

However, interest from clubs like Chelsea, Manchester United—and now City faces a key hurdle: ter Stegen’s substantial salary demands, which have narrowed his transfer market options.

Despite that, Guardiola’s incoming director of football, Hugo Viana, appears ready to trim down the City squad including decisions around veteran players like Ederson whose contract runs until 2026.

This summer could well see a goalkeeping reshuffle. Marcus Bettinelli is already in as a backup, and Stefan Ortega has yet to convince as a long-term option.

If City can negotiate a realistic valuation—and perhaps a salary-sharing structure ter Stegen’s experience and composure could make him a transformative signing for the Etihad.

For Guardiola, securing a keeper of ter Stegen’s class would not only address immediate goalkeeping needs, but signal a broader ambition to reinvigorate a side determined to reclaim domestic and European dominance.