Elliot Anderson signs, duo stay, major deal done - Man City's dream summer transfer window (original) (raw)
Manchester City are on the cusp of the summer transfer window with plenty of question marks surrounding their next steps
In his final transfer window as Manchester City head coach, Pep Guardiola made some significant signings. Marc Guehi and Antoine Semenyo's arrivals from Crystal Palace and Bournemouth respectively were statements of intent.
They automatically made City stronger and future proofed them. Both should be key players for the foreseeable and, particularly in Guehi's case, ticked off summer transfer priorities early. That makes this window intriguing. While City will always want to work quickly to secure signings, the focus could be on convincing players to stay, rather than join the cause.
With this in mind, MEN Sport has taken a look at what a dream summer transfer window could look like for the Blues.
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Elliot Anderson signs
Yes, the focus could be on retaining players but City still need to replace Bernardo Silva this summer. The long term target to fill his boots is Anderson. The Nottingham Forest midfielder has been top of the Blues' wishlist and the feeling is he would prefer a move to the Etihad Stadium.
City will be wary of overpaying for the 23-year-old but a deal is there to be done. Forest know they will likely need to sell one of their best players this summer after a disappointing 2025/26 campaign and Anderson is the man in demand. If City can get this deal over the line, they will have secured another piece in their puzzle for next season.
Rodri timeline set
In one of City's wildest dreams, Rodri would sign a contract extension and eventually retire with the Blues. But a more realistic, yet still positive outcome for City, would be for Rodri to commit to one final year at the Etihad Stadium before moving on.
This would allow City a full 12 months to plot their replacement for the Spaniard and offer him a fitting send off at the end of next season. For Rodri, a full season under his belt could also be beneficial, especially after his recent injury issues. Ending the speculation and setting a timeline on his departure would be beneficial for all concerned.
James Trafford stays
If Rodri was to commit to one more year, the next dream agreement would be for Trafford to stay too. The 23-year-old was the strongest second choice goalkeeper in the Premier League last season.
City benefitted from the luxury of having Trafford as their cup goalkeeper last season and undoubtedly he played a massive role as the Blues won the FA and Carabao Cups. Unfortunately, having a player of his quality as a back-up is rarely plausible long term.
But should Trafford decide to stick it out at City and provide competition to Gianluigi Donnarumma, the Blues would have one of the strongest goalkeeping departments in world football. That would only strengthen their push next season.
Savinho leaves
City always know when it is the right time for a player to leave and, in Savinho's case, that moment may have come. It would be disappointing for the City Football Group to see a player depart having funnelled him through their feeder clubs.
However, he has been at City for two years and has struggled to make an impact. Like Oscar Bobb before him, Savinho has struggled to become a serious alternative to the Blues' vast array of attacking talent.
It seems the Brazilian is also open to moving too with Tottenham keen. Should a deal of £50m plus be agreed, as well as a healthy sell-on clause, all parties will be pleased.
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Jack Flintham
Jack Flintham is a Sport Central Audience Writer at Reach PLC, contributing mainly to the Manchester Evening News. Covering mostly football, particularly Manchester United and Manchester City, his work can also be found in the Daily Mirror, Daily Express, Daily Star Football.London, Liverpool Echo and Leeds Live. Before joining the central sports team, Jack worked exclusively on the Manchester Evening News sports desk and was also a SEO Writer for Lincolnshire Live. Jack has been with Reach PLC since December 2021.
