Manchester City has established a new Premier League record, spending £458 million in the summer transfer window to overhaul its squad, with a particular focus on a completely revamped midfield. The significant investment occurred under new manager Enzo Maresca, who replaced Pep Guardiola.
The club's record transfer fee was broken twice during the window. Key acquisitions included Enzo Fernandez for a joint-British record £125 million and Elliot Anderson for £116 million. The eighteen-year-old Moroccan international Ayyoub Bouaddi also joined for £86 million, with these three players accounting for the majority of the club's summer spending.
This extensive midfield transformation follows the departures of captain Bernardo Silva, Rodri, Tijjani Reijnders, and Nico Gonzalez. Club sources have expressed satisfaction with the business conducted not only in the recent window but also in January, which saw the early signing of long-term targets Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guehi. The club's rebuild of the team that won the 2023 Champions League began in earnest in January 2025, following a challenging start to that season.
Currently, only four players from the starting lineup and substitutes who secured the Champions League title in Istanbul remain with the club. Manager Maresca now has considerable depth, with at least two established players available for nearly every position. 
Despite the substantial investment and perceived squad strengthening, significant questions remain. The integration of the new midfield signings and how they will function collectively is a key consideration. Furthermore, despite the vast sums spent, it is unclear whether the club has adequately secured a backup for striker Erling Haaland.