Manchester City's transfer strategy was "fluid" this summer, with the club's executives feeling the need to play down their interest in Enzo Fernández at one point. This is according to ESPN Soccer, which has been following the club's busy summer transfer window. The report highlights the challenges faced by Manchester City's director of football, Hugo Viana, as he tried to plot his way through an unpredictable market.
The transfer window saw more change than was expected, with multiple players leaving and arriving at the club. From Manchester City's point of view, their squad is stronger now than it was this time last year, with a net spend of £133 million. This is despite the departure of several key players, including Rodri, who was expected to stay for the last year of his contract and maybe even extend.
Ayyoub Bouaddi, an 18-year-old midfielder, has been brought in to replace Rodri. Bouaddi arrived from Lille for €95 million and is expected to play a lot this season. His performance for Morocco against Brazil in the summer is being held up as proof that he can handle the responsibility. City's hierarchy has shown particular faith in new boss Enzo Maresca by splashing out on Fernández, a midfielder who signed from Chelsea for a joint-British record fee of £125 million.
Manchester City were able to spend £190 million on deadline day due to the money they brought in from the departures of 11 senior players. The club's policy of "failing fast" has been branded as ruthless by executives at other clubs, but Manchester City believe it has given them the opportunity to be genuine challengers on four fronts this season.