Right-Back Search Over, Midfield the Priority

Manchester City have quietly shelved any plans to sign a new right-back this summer. The decision, confirmed internally, leaves the position to be covered by existing options, with Matheus Nunes and Abdukodir Khusanov expected to share the burden.

Nunes, who arrived from Wolves for £53 million in 2023, turned in his best season at the Etihad last term while operating out of position. It was a campaign that prompted Pep Guardiola to describe him as 'one of the best players in the world today' — albeit after a 5-0 win over Sporting Lisbon in February 2022, when Nunes was still an opponent.

Khusanov, meanwhile, offers a reliable alternative in a role that has lacked a natural occupant since Kyle Walker left on loan in January 2025, making the move permanent six months later.

Midfield Rebuild Takes Shape

With the right-back question settled, attention has shifted firmly to midfield. The departures of Rodri — confirmed on Tuesday in a £65.4 million move to Barcelona — and Tijjani Reijnders, who flew to Saudi Arabia to finalise his exit, have left gaps that City intend to fill before the window closes.

Two midfielders are the priority in the final fortnight. The Blues are weighing up a move for Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez, valued at £120 million by those at Stamford Bridge, while Rodri's exit is expected to accelerate the pursuit of Lille's Ayyoub Bouaddi.

There is an acceptance at the Etihad that less business has been completed than hoped, with just a few weeks remaining. Elliot Anderson, Geronimo Rulli and Jeremy Monga have arrived from Nottingham Forest, Olympique Marseille and Leicester City respectively, but a brutal Community Shield defeat to Arsenal has done little to reassure supporters.

The defence leaked simple goals against Arsenal, and goals from midfield have been scarce since the exits of Ilkay Gundogan and Kevin De Bruyne. A winger is still on the shopping list, with Savinho hoping for a move to Tottenham — who have been told to pay £85 million for the 22-year-old Brazilian.

Plenty of food for thought, then, for director of football Hugo Viana and his boardroom colleagues in what remains of the window.