Manchester City finalise double midfield signing as club legend opens door to emotional return | OneFootball

Stories surrounding Manchester City have flowed in numbers across the course of Tuesday with fresh updates concerning both arrivals and departures.

The most significant of the news on Tuesday 2 July came in the form of Manchester City’s first major first-team signing, whilst there was also a double recruitment in central midfield, albeit relevant to the club’s youth academy squads.

The exit door continued to revolve too, with confirmed news of a permanent departure into League One, while there were also updates provided on what the future could hold for mainstay goalkeeper Ederson.

After arguably the busiest day of Manchester City’s transfer window so far, at least in the way of media reports and speculation, here is your daily and comprehensive round-up of events from day 19 of the ongoing summer market!

Arrivals

Manchester City plan to make signings this summer and there is money to spend, but they consider the squad to be strong and in no need of major rebuilding unless players leave. It is also considered unlikely too many players will leave. (Sam Lee, The Athletic)

Manchester City have discussed Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong in recent months, but it would only have been accelerated if Kyle Walker were to leave, with interest from Saudi Arabia. An exit for the City captain does not seem likely. (Sam Lee, The Athletic)

Manchester City are still exploring a move for a right-winger and could sign a left-back to replace Sergio Gomez. The Spaniard is expected to leave, but his replacement is not expected to be a ready-made option to go straight into the team. (Sam Lee, The Athletic)

Manchester City are advancing on deal to sign midfield talent Harrison Miles after the expiry of his Southampton contract. The England Under-16 captain has also been targeted by other leading Premier League clubs including Arsenal, but City are now close to a formal agreement with the 15-year-old. (David Ornstein, The Athletic)

Manchester City have agreed a deal to sign 18-year-old talented midfielder Han Willhoft-King for their Under-19 squad. The teenager left Tottenham a few weeks ago and is joining City on a two-year contract, with medical tests set to take place shortly. (Fabrizio Romano)

Pep Guardiola has requested an additional set-piece coach and analyst for the Manchester City first-team next season, with the manager wanting to freshen up his backroom team and support. (Tolmie’s Hairdoo, X)

Fernandinho has not ruled out returning to Manchester City in a high-level capacity in the future, despite loving his life back home in Brazil. (Tolmie’s Hairdoo, X)

The official communication from Manchester City on the signing of Sávio is expected after Copa América, making him the Club’s first formal signing for next season. (Fabrizio Romano)

Manchester City are set to sign Savio on a five-year-contract through to 2029, and have also informed the winger of their intention for him to be part of their first-team plans under Pep Guardiola next season. (Guillermo Rai, Sam Lee – The Athletic)

“Adam Wharton. Don’t rule it out this summer…” (Tolmie’s Hairdoo, X)

Departures

Despite interest from Chelsea and clubs from other European leagues, Manchester City are not pushing for a sale and will give James McAtee opportunity this summer to convince Pep Guardiola he can be a part of City’s first team. (Simon Bajkowski, Manchester Evening News)

Lewis Fiorini has left Manchester City and joined Stockport County. The deal is worth an initial £300,000, potentially rising to £1 million. City also have a ‘high’ sell-on clause attached to the deal. (Official, Jack Gaughan & Mike Minay)

A loan deal for Savio remains on the cards if he does not impress in Manchester City’s pre-season. However, there is hope he will be ready to contribute and remain part of Pep Guardiola’s squad. (Sam Lee, The Athletic)

Matheus Nunes is currently considered the most likely to leave Manchester City this summer, with interest from Saudi Arabia. (Sam Lee, The Athletic)

Sources at Manchester City do not seem especially alarmed about Ederson’s situation this summer. (Sam Lee, The Athletic)

Add-ons included in the deal to take Taylor Harwood-Bellis to Southampton this week are ‘considerable’, and similar to the Kelechi Iheanacho deal with Leicester. 25 per cent add-on and a first option buy-back during the first three years of his Saints contract. (Tolmie’s Hairdoo, X)

Contract Renewals

N/A

Confirmed Deals

Taylor Harwood-Bellis to Southampton (£20M obligation to buy)

Lewis Fiorini to Stockport County (£300,000 potentially rising to £1 million)

Stefan Ortega has signed a one-year contract extension at Manchester City until the end of the 2025/26 season.

Scott Carson has signed a one-year contract extension at Manchester City until the end of the 2024/2025 season.