Manchester City has undergone a significant squad overhaul this summer under manager Enzo Maresca, focusing on streamlining the team and rectifying recruitment errors from the 2025 transfer windows. The club's strategy has shifted towards a more focused group of 20 senior outfield players, down from 22 last year and 18 during the Treble-winning season.
Midfield Reinforcements and Strategic Signings
The midfield was identified as an area requiring the most attention. The arrival of Elliot Anderson, a 23-year-old who joined from Nottingham Forest for a fee that eventually reached £116 million, is seen as a key addition to bolster a midfield that had felt “light.” Anderson's early performances suggest he is ready to assume a more significant role. He is expected to be a cornerstone of Maresca's midfield, a player in whom significant trust is placed despite his limited Champions League experience.
Joining Anderson in midfield is Enzo Fernandez, who was acquired from Chelsea for £125 million on deadline day. Maresca personally pushed for the signing of Fernandez, described as a proven winner who offers a “nastiness” that the team may have missed in recent years. The late transfer saw Fernandez undergoing his medical at nearly 10 p.m. on deadline day.
The club’s transfer business saw a net spend of £145 million, with ten first-team players departing since May and six arriving. The focus appears to have shifted towards individual players competing for specific positions, a departure from demanding versatility across multiple roles.
Addressing Past Transfer Mistakes
A significant aspect of the summer's strategy was correcting the course set by the transfer windows of 2025. Players like Tijjani Reijnders, Omar Marmoush, and Nico Gonzalez, who were signed less than 18 months ago, have been moved on. The club successfully recouped its investment on all three, with Tottenham holding an obligation to purchase Marmoush for £60 million at the end of his loan spell.
Rayan Ait-Nouri, another signing from 2025, has struggled to secure playing time at left-back, with Manchester United reportedly inquiring about his availability. However, allowing Ait-Nouri to leave would have left the squad too thin.
Squad Philosophy and Future Outlook
There is a sense that the squad is now deeper and more complete, despite having fewer players. The team's approach may involve a greater emphasis on individual battles for starting spots, reminiscent of Thomas Tuchel's management of the England team. However, the club still appears to value versatility, as evidenced by the idea that Antoine Semenyo could serve as an alternative number nine to Erling Haaland.
Maresca’s managerial style, which includes music during training sessions, suggests a confidence in his ability to get the best out of the reorganized squad. The upcoming matches, including fixtures against Porto and Manchester United, will offer early indications of Maresca's tactical approach, particularly regarding team selection and rotation.