REVEALED: Man City could pull off an unexpected feat in the summer transfer window

Despite the fact that the transfer window has been open for a week, the Etihad has been relatively calm as Man City continues to enjoy the success of the previous season.

During the summer months of significant tournaments, the early weeks of the transfer window are frequently quiet, and the first seven days of this particular window have elapsed with little to divert attention from the events in Germany.

The quality and drama of the football on display have been more than sufficient to captivate audiences, as it has been three years since a tournament occupied the consciousness during the summer, due to the winter 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

However, the club game is no longer a secondary concern, and agreements are progressively being established. Jarrad Branthwaite is being pursued by Manchester United, while Ian Maatsen is being pursued by Aston Villa. The agreement to transfer Maatsen to Villa Park is noteworthy due to his current participation in the Netherlands squad at Euro 2024.

During a significant tournament, a significant number of players will endeavour to suppress considerations regarding their club’s futures, which is why the window may require slightly longer to commence than usual. Manchester City is uncertain as to whether or not it will ignite, if at all.

The Etihad has been relatively active during the past two summer windows. Erling Haaland, Kalvin Phillips, Manuel Akanji, Sergio Gomez, and Stefan Ortega inked in 2022, while Josko Gvardiol, Matheus Nunes, Jeremy Doku, and Mateo Kovacic joined last year.

However, Jack Grealish was the sole first-team signing two years ago, and the agreement to bring Julian Alvarez in was finalised in January. It is conceivable that the summer of 2024 will be more similar to that of 2021 than the previous two.

Pep Guardiola’s squad was refreshed during those windows, and the holding midfield position is a critical area this summer. A deputy for Rodri is essential, as Phillips is expected to depart. That may serve as the window’s theme.

Ederson’s potential departure from City would necessitate the signing of an additional custodian if he pursues a transfer to Saudi Arabia. The midfield predicament is also a topic of interest, as the futures of Bernardo Silva and Kevin De Bruyne are under scrutiny.

Both are evidently closer to the conclusion of their City careers than to the beginning, and there is a sense that the process of replacing them should commence sooner rather than later. It is now evident that a transfer for Lucas Paqueta is no longer feasible; however, Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes is still being discussed.

At present, it appears unlikely that any club will submit a £50 million offer for Bernardo, while De Bruyne’s future is contingent upon his personal aspirations. Is he prepared to retire from European football, or does he believe that he has another season left in him? If the latter is the case, it is probable that he will continue to be employed at the Etihad.

The entire summer could still pass comparatively quietly in City under that scenario. There is a possibility that Guardiola will enter the upcoming season with a squad that is substantially identical to the one that recently secured its fourth consecutive Premier League title.