Manchester City are undergoing a significant squad transformation, aiming to reclaim their Premier League dominance after a terrible 2024/25 season.
With Kevin De Bruyne’s departure marking the end of an era, the club has been aggressive in the transfer market, securing high-profile signings like AC Milan’s Tijjani Reijnders and Wolves full-back Rayan Ait-Nouri, while closing in on a deal for Lyon’s Rayan Cherki.
Manchester City’s transfer strategy in 2025 reflects a commitment to intelligent evolution rather than a complete overhaul, as emphasized by manager Pep Guardiola.

The club’s proactive approach began in January with a £180m spending spree, bringing in players like Omar Marmoush, Nico Gonzalez, and young defenders Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis.
This momentum has carried into the summer window, with two major signings already confirmed.
Tijjani Reinders to Manchester City
Tijjani Reijnders has joined from AC Milan in a €55m (£46.3m) deal, with add-ons, as reported by The Athletic and Sky Sports. The 26-year-old Dutch midfielder, voted Serie A’s Midfielder of the Year for 2024/25, brings versatility and goal-scoring prowess, having netted 15 goals and provided five assists in all competitions last season.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 5, 2025
Understand Tijjani Reijnders will undergo medical tests at Manchester City on Sunday. pic.twitter.com/idzGDOYvXj
His ability to contribute in both defensive and attacking phases, often compared to a blend of Bernardo Silva and Ilkay Gundogan, makes him an ideal replacement for De Bruyne. Reijnders’ signing is seen as a cornerstone of City’s midfield rebuild, especially with Rodri returning from an ACL injury and veterans like Gundogan and Kovacic aging.
Rayan Ait-Nouri, the 23-year-old Wolves left-back, is another key acquisition. His technical excellence and progressive style align perfectly with Guardiola’s system, addressing the club’s need for a reliable left-back. His arrival allows Josko Gvardiol to shift to a central defensive role, bolstering City’s backline.
This transfer is part of City’s strategy to complete major deals before the Club World Cup on June 18, 2025, as stated by chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak.
The Cityzens are also on the verge of securing Lyon’s 21-year-old playmaker Rayan Cherki in a deal reportedly worth £35m.
Rayan Cherki next
— mcfc lads (@mcfc_lads) June 5, 2025pic.twitter.com/R8m6pOMEiv
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has indicated that City expect to finalize the Cherki deal swiftly, with negotiations advancing rapidly. Cherki, who recorded 12 goals and 20 assists in 44 appearances for Lyon in 2024/25, is seen as a creative force to fill the void left by De Bruyne.
His versatility to operate as a No. 10 or on the wings makes him a strong positional match for City’s attacking setup, potentially offering more direct creativity than Reijnders.
Manchester City Potential XI for 2025/26
Ederson – Akanji, Dias, Gvardiol, Ait-Nouri – Rodri, Reijnders, Cherki, Bernardo, Marmoush, Haaland