Sandro Tonali
Manchester City is gearing up for a crucial summer transfer window, with the club’s focus on strengthening its squad while navigating the challenges posed by the upcoming World Cup. The recent Carabao Cup victory against Arsenal has reinvigorated Pep Guardiola’s side, setting the stage for an intense Premier League title race and an FA Cup quarter-final clash against Liverpool. As City plans for the future, questions loom over potential signings, departures, and the impact of the World Cup on their transfer strategy.
Simon Bajkowski said: “Let’s start with the big one, then. As things stand, I think Elliot Anderson will end up at City this summer. They are in the best position to get him, can show him a clear path for getting regular minutes in a team that will be challenging for everything and likely winning at least something. That doesn’t mean that things can’t change – this time last year City were in pole position to sign Morgan Gibbs-White – and of course there are other clubs interested. The fact that one of those is United means there will be plenty of talk around any transfer, especially if United get into the Champions League.”
Simon Bajkowski added: “United look to have more chance of getting Tonali, although the Italian did get a lot of attention from Pep Guardiola after at least one of the games City played against them this season. City are planning for next season with Rodri, so while they would have to change those plans if they were to sell him I’d be very surprised to see them go for both Anderson and Tonali. I think it will be one, and I think it will be Anderson.”
The summer transfer window is expected to bring changes to City’s squad, with Elliot Anderson emerging as a prime target. The club is well-positioned to secure his signature, offering a promising pathway for regular playtime. However, Manchester United’s interest in Anderson adds a layer of competition, especially if they secure Champions League qualification. Sandro Tonali has also attracted attention, but City’s current plans revolve around retaining Rodri, making it unlikely for both Anderson and Tonali to join the ranks.
Simon Bajkowski addressed Phil Foden’s form: “A very good question, Alex, and not one that anyone has the answer to yet. He was so good between September and December, back toward the levels of the 2023/24 campaign when he was the best player in the entire league, and yet it disappeared quickly and dramatically. I wouldn’t write anything into the England performances, because while it was painful to see him in the No.9 role against Japan that was more because of the number of times he put himself in an excellent position and either Cole Palmer or Morgan Rogers failed to pass him the ball.”
Phil Foden’s recent dip in form has raised concerns, with his performances not matching the high standards set earlier in the season. Despite this, Foden remains a valuable asset, and his potential inclusion in the England squad for the World Cup could provide a much-needed boost. The World Cup itself poses challenges for City’s transfer plans, as players and their international commitments may delay negotiations.
Simon Bajkowski commented on the World Cup’s impact: “The World Cup makes it difficult in the sense that some players simply won’t want to think about transfers before or during the tournament because all of their focus will be on that – and their international managers certainly won’t want them to be. However, there is still about a month between the end of the tournament and the start of the Premier League so I think July and August will be much busier for deals.”
The World Cup’s timing complicates transfer dealings, with players focused on international duties. However, City aims to finalize key deals, including potentially securing Anderson’s services, before the tournament begins. The club’s proactive approach in the transfer market reflects its ambition to maintain competitiveness across all fronts.
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