Four in, but only one for the first team
Manchester City have brought in four players so far this summer, yet the picture for the coming season remains far from clear. Elliot Anderson, Pierce Charles, Jeremy Monga and Mathys Detourbet have all signed, but only Anderson would be considered a first-team addition for the FA Cup and Carabao Cup holders. The other three are prospects, not answers.
That leaves the squad looking thin in key areas, and the manager knows it.
Maresca's admission in Hong Kong
Speaking yesterday in Hong Kong ahead of today's pre-season friendly against Inter Milan, Enzo Maresca used his first pre-game press conference as City boss to confirm the club are still active in the market. He said:
'We are talking with Hugo and the club about some targets. It is a normal situation when the transfer window is open – anything can happen. For sure, we are going to do something but we are looking at different positions.'
No specifics, no names. Just a clear signal that work is ongoing.
The known gaps
The areas City want to strengthen are no secret. Another right-back is needed, along with one or possibly two midfielders, and another winger. Whether the midfield requirement is one or two depends on what happens with Rodri, whose future remains unresolved.
That is a significant variable. If Rodri stays, the list shrinks; if he goes, the club are chasing two bodies in the engine room.
The transfer window does not close until Monday, September 1, so there is time. But time does not guarantee the right deals get done.
An unknown entity
Right now, this City squad is an unknown entity. New manager, new signings still to arrive, and a core that has already lost Bernardo Silva and John Stones this summer. The team that lines up against Inter today will not be the team that starts the Premier League season on 23rd August.
Maresca's admission, though, is a reassurance of sorts. The club know what they need, and they are working on it. The hard part is converting that into signings before the window slams shut.