Fernandez signs for Man City as Gonzalez leaves - Maresca's dream end to transfer window

Analysis

Matthew Judge | Editor

Manchester City are one of the teams to watch ahead of transfer deadline day, which takes place in England in a week’s time (Tuesday, 1 September).

The Cityzens are overseeing a transitional summer as Enzo Maresca aims to reshape the squad in his image after replacing Pep Guardiola at the helm.

Man City have made plenty of headlines already after signing Elliot Anderson for €135million (£116m), while Rodri has left for Barcelona in a deal worth €76m (£65m).

Here, FootballTransfers takes a look at how City can secure a dream end to their maiden transfer window under new boss Maresca.

Sign Fernandez

Despite missing Chelsea’s deadline for a transfer to take place, The Athletic claims City still want to sign Enzo Fernandez before the window slams shut.

Fernandez worked with Maresca at Chelsea and the pair are said to have a great relationship, hence City’s interest in the 25-year-old.

Argentina star Fernandez would not only replace Tijjani Reijnders’ goals from midfield, but he would represent an upgrade considering he is a more rounded player.

The problem is not necessarily the €140m (£120m) valuation of Fernandez, but rather City have left Chelsea with little time to source a replacement, which may scupper a deal.

Land Bouaddi & learn Gakpo price

City are on the verge of signing one of the best young players in the world in Ayyoub Bouaddi, who is set to join from Lille for €100m (£85.5m).

An elegant, composed number six, the teen sensation, 18, enhanced his burgeoning reputation by starring for Morocco at this summer’s World Cup.

While Bouaddi will need to time to settle, a potential midfield trio including himself, Anderson and Fernandez is mouth-watering for City fans.

City are also on the cusp of capturing Allan Elias from Palmeiras, with the Brazilian winger set to replace Savio after his compatriot joined Tottenham Hotspur.

The 10-time league champions have had success when shopping in South America, signing Julian Alvarez and Vitor Reis in recent seasons.

While some fans may have hoped for a more exciting signing, Allan represents a low risk, cost-effective (€37.5m/£34m) acquisition.

If he succeeds, City have landed a bargain. And if not, as the club have proven this summer when making profits on Savio, Reijnders, and James Trafford, they would likely get their money back and more for Allan next summer.

With that in mind, though, it makes sense why City are at least considering a move for Liverpool winger Cody Gakpo, according to various sources.

While Gakpo is too one-dimensional at times, repeatedly cutting inside on his favoured right foot to shoot, he is Premier League-ready unlike Allan.

The 27-year-old also boasts strong fitness levels, having made 181 appearances for Liverpool since January 2023, recording 51 goals and 23 assists.

But a lot depends on Liverpool’s asking price, while Andoni Iraola’s men are only likely to sanction a transfer if they can sign Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain.

Offload Gonzalez & find Marmoush replacement

Omar Marmoush and Nico Gonzalez are set to leave City and join Tottenham and Newcastle United respectively in the coming days.

While both players will have wanted to make a bigger impact, they can hold their heads up high after arriving during a difficult time for City.

Marmoush and Gonzalez joined City in the 2024-25 winter transfer window - a period when the club had won just one league game between 2 November 2024 and 26 December 2024.

However, following their arrivals, City went on to finish that season strongly, qualifying for the Champions League and reaching the FA Cup final.

While Bouaddi, Anderson, Kovacic, potentially Fernandez and even Marc Guehi - as witnessed in the 2-1 Premier League win over Bournemouth on Sunday - can cover for Gonzalez’s departure, the same cannot be said for Marmoush.

City will lack cover for star striker Erling Haaland once Marmoush departs, meaning Maresca and the club must start identifying possible replacements.

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