After Pep Guardiola, Bernardo Silva and John Stones, three huge personalities, left Manchester City at the end of the season, the club could certainly do without any more outgoings.
But it has turned out to be a case of players falling over each other on the way to the exit.
Tijjani Reijnders and James Trafford, both of whom arrived only last year, are gone. And then they were followed by Rodri, one player City should definitely have done more to keep.
Thank you, Rodri 🩵 pic.twitter.com/QxOzReKnOA
— Manchester City (@ManCity) August 18, 2026
That is five players in total, leaving the club. In addition, Nico Gonzalez is heavily linked with Newcastle and could be on his way out. And latest reports are that Tottenham are targeting the attacking duo Omar Marmoush and Savinho.
Given that a manager as successful as Guardiola has just left the club, it is puzzling that City have not tried to keep the group together. Enzo Maresca already had a difficult enough job trying to be the man after the man. To do it with the entire spirit of the team gone could prove too much and trap City in a transition period.
Perhaps the club feel it is best for Maresca to start on a completely fresh slate and mould his own team, which has some logic to it. However, it could come back to bite them.
How close is a Tottenham deal for Marmoush and Savinho?
Talks between the clubs are advancing over the proposed transfers.
Marmoush is keen on the move and has given his approval to a transfer, although personal terms have not been agreed. The Egypt international wants a more regular role as a centre-forward, something that is difficult to secure at City with Erling Haaland established as first-choice striker.
The 27-year-old operated centrally at Eintracht Frankfurt and had far more game time than the scraps he has been getting at City. Tottenham believe that desire to be the main man once more could help them complete the deal.
Savinho, meanwhile, has already agreed personal terms with Spurs, according to reports.
Roberto De Zerbi needs to make significant additions to Tottenham’s forward line having already transformed his midfield with deals for Sandro Tonali and Matheus Fernandes. Spurs are also pursuing a deal for Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo.
Tottenham expect to do a deal for both players in the region of £140m. However, City are reportedly seeking £150m and may hold out for the additional £10m.
