April 23, 2025 — Manchester, England
Manchester City’s midfield is set for a major transformation this summer. With Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gündogan, and Bernardo Silva all departing, and Hugo Viana confirmed as the incoming director of football, rebuilding the core is now City’s top priority.
Why Manchester City Must Act Fast
City’s only remaining chance at silverware this season is the FA Cup, where they face Nottingham Forest in the semifinals.
Their Premier League campaign has faltered, and uncertainty over Champions League qualification — coupled with ongoing charges — makes securing top targets even more urgent.
The club’s strategy is clear: find multi-position midfielders who can complement Rodri and adapt to Pep Guardiola’s evolving system.
Top Midfield Targets for Manchester City
1. Attacking Midfielders (No.10)
City want creativity and intelligence behind the striker, especially after De Bruyne’s exit.
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Florian Wirtz (Bayer Leverkusen, €140M):
One of Europe’s brightest creators, Wirtz has contributed 33 goals and 33 assists over the past two seasons. However, heavy interest from Bayern Munich and Real Madrid could complicate the move. -
Xavi Simons (RB Leipzig, €70M):
La Masia-trained and dynamic, Simons averages 2.24 key passes per 90 minutes. His financial profile makes him a more realistic target compared to Wirtz. -
Nico Paz (Como, €35M):
A rising star with serious upside. Real Madrid still hold a re-signing clause, meaning City must act quickly if interested. -
Morgan Gibbs-White (Nottingham Forest, €50M):
Brings high energy and sharp counter-attack instincts. However, questions remain about how he fits into City’s slower, possession-heavy system. -
Dejan Kulusevski (Tottenham, €60M):
Offers box-to-box dynamism. Tottenham are unlikely to sell unless external pressure mounts.
2. Box-to-Box Midfielders (No.8)
City also need runners who can link defense and attack while maintaining Guardiola’s trademark control.
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Tijjani Reijnders (AC Milan, €50M):
A strong two-way player who boasts a 90% pass completion rate and 14 goals this season. Fits City’s technical demands. -
Conor Gallagher (Atlético Madrid, €40M):
Versatile and tireless. Gallagher could thrive in Guardiola’s system with his endless work rate and flexibility. -
Éderson (Atalanta, €60M):
Nicknamed a “mini-Fernandinho” by Italian media. Brings defensive solidity and excellent ball recovery numbers.
How the Targets Fit Manchester City’s Rebuild
Florian Wirtz remains the ideal signing, but City’s Champions League status could decide his willingness to move.
Xavi Simons, stylistically, is the most “Guardiola” option and financially more attainable.
If City lean toward balancing creativity with discipline, Reijnders and Gallagher offer safer routes.
For pure physicality and defensive muscle, Éderson would be a powerful addition alongside Rodri.
Securing Champions League qualification and quickly establishing the new vision under Hugo Viana will be key if City want to rebuild their midfield into a force once again.
