Inside Man City's window after £10m Fernandez discount and Bouaddi surprise

Manchester City bosses are said to be delighted with what has been described as a "brilliant" transfer window.

Chairman Khaldoon Al-Mubarak and director of football Hugo Viana believe has given new manager Enzo Maresca a squad capable of winning back the league title from Arsenal. The final piece of the jigsaw came with the arrival of Enzo Fernandez in a deal costing City a joint British record £125m.

But the process was kick started back in January, when Marc Guehi and Antoine Semenyo arrived at the Etihad ahead of schedule. Both had been targets for this summer, but City moved swiftly once it became known the duo were gettable six months sooner.

Along with the arrival of Maresca to replace Pep Guardiola, the changes have been viewed as a "transformation", rather than a rebuild. And that the squad is much stronger now, compared to the start of what would become Guardiola's last season in charge.

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Maresca is said to have high hopes for up and coming defender Vitor Reis, who is expected to have a breakthrough campaign.

While teenage sensation Ayyoub Bouaddi is said to have made a huge impression in training since joining from Lille. Maresca is prepared to be patient with Bouaddi due to him being only 18, but will give him more games than people expect, due to his incredible talent.

City had been tracking him before the World Cup, but once he starred on the biggest stage of all in North America, the club decided to move quickly to get the deal done.

Elliot Anderson has been signed to replace Bernardo Silva.

But the most significant deal of 2026 has been getting Fernandez. Maresca made it clear, having worked with him at Chelsea, City would be signing a proven winner at the high level.

Someone who can elevate midfield with his goals and assists, while bringing some much needed experience to a team lacking some of it in certain areas.

At the start of the week the deal looked like it wouldn't happen. Chelsea were holding out for £135m and City were prepared to walk away.

But on deadline day the asking price dropped by £10m and City swooped. Negotiations were not concluded until within five hours of the window closing. City now feel the squad is built to challenge for trophies on all fronts.

So it's over to you, Enzo and Enzo.

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