According to Manchester Evening News, Manchester City completed their squad overhaul this summer with net investments of around £80 million.

Manchester City's squad is now fully assembled. The Citizens twice broke their club transfer record, spending heavily while selling players at exceptional value. Now, in the first transfer window in a decade without Pep Guardiola at the helm, the dust has settled.

Enzo Maresca may not have anticipated such a volume of transfers in recent weeks. This chaotic window was filled with staggering fees, record signings, record sales, and countless midfield changes—results that will be tested in the coming months.

So, has Manchester City strengthened as a result? In Elliot Anderson and Enzo Fernández, Manchester City have two players who can form the backbone of midfield for years to come. Given that the two together cost over £240 million, they should. Young Ayoub Bouaddi is also exceptionally talented, and despite his age, Manchester City spent £81 million on him—meaning Manchester City could have a trio of midfielders capable of becoming among the best in their position.

Manchester City hoped to avoid losing Rodri. Given the level the 28-year-old displayed leading Spain to victory in the Copa América final, his departure is a significant blow. The departure of Bernardo Silva deprives Manchester City of experience, leadership, and versatility. The exits of Nico Gómez and Kalvin Phillips brought Manchester City £100 million, and neither would have been a starter—both sought more playing time.

Overall, including proceeds from selling players in similar positions, Manchester City's midfield overhaul cost approximately £150 million, and the squad depth remains slightly lacking. However, the players acquired are either in their prime or, like Bouaddi, have the potential to develop into world-class talents. The three new additions bring fresh energy and mobility to midfield, particularly Enzo Fernández, who can provide the leadership Maresca was keen to attract.

The new midfield isn't cheap, but it's exciting.

Despite massive investment, Manchester City offset costs through significant dealings in other positions. Whether Álvarez is worth £34 million remains to be seen, but given he's the same age as departed Savinho—who underperformed during his two years at Manchester City before joining Tottenham for a club-record £75 million—it's hard to say this wasn't a smart move.

The same applies to the Murillo-for-Ismail Sarr swap. The newcomer is a year younger, and once Tottenham pays the obligatory £60 million buyout clause next summer, Manchester City will essentially break even on the deal. Murillo showed flashes of brilliance in a Manchester City shirt but, aside from the Newcastle performance, failed to deliver the required consistency. Sarr, who previously impressed at Everton and was linked with Manchester United and Tottenham this summer, appears a better fit for Manchester City.

The biggest financial gain came at goalkeeper, where Rúlli is now Manchester City's backup keeper. Trafford's return to the Etihad lasted just one season, but the £45 million Manchester City received from his move to Leeds United is an excellent price. While Rúlli is only a short-term solution—meaning Manchester City will need to address the backup goalkeeper position again in the next year or two—this profit has already helped the squad rebuild other areas.

This squad now looks capable of challenging for the title. While Manchester City's squad depth and maturity may not fully match Arsenal's, they possess star power, presence, craft, and experience. The question now is whether this will translate to success.

Переведено ИИ.

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