Manchester City complete double midfield signing as club legend opens door to emotional return

Stories surrounding Manchester City circulated in numbers throughout Tuesday, with fresh updates on both arrivals and departures.

The most significant news on Tuesday 2 July came in the form of Manchester City’s first major first-team signing, while there was also a double recruitment in central midfield, albeit one relevant to the club’s youth academy teams.

The exit door has also continued to swirl, with confirmed news of a permanent move to League One, while updates have also been provided on what the future may hold for first-choice goalkeeper Ederson.

After possibly the busiest day of Manchester City’s transfer window so far, at least in terms of media reports and speculation, here’s our comprehensive day-by-day roundup of the events of Day 19 of the ongoing summer market!

Manchester City are looking to make signings this summer and there is money to spend, but they believe the squad is strong and does not need major rebuilding if players don’t leave. It is also considered unlikely that too many players will leave. (Sam Lee, The Athletic)

Manchester City discussed Bayer Leverkusen Jeremy Frimpong in recent months, but would only have been accelerated if Kyle Walker left, with interest from Saudi Arabia. An exit for the City captain does not seem likely. (Sam Lee, The Athletic)

Manchester City are still exploring a move for a right-back and could sign a left-back to replace Sergio Gomez. The Spaniard is expected to leave, but his replacement is not expected to be a ready-to-go option. (Sam Lee, The Athletic)

Manchester City are pushing ahead with a deal to sign midfield talent Harrison Miles after his contract with Southampton expired. The England Under-16 captain has also been targeted by other top Premier League clubs, including Arsenal, but City are now close to a formal deal for the 15-year-old. (David Ornstein, The Athletic)

Manchester City have agreed a deal to sign the talented 18-year-old midfielder Inn Willhoft-King for their Under-19 team. The teenager left Tottenham a few weeks ago and joins City on a two-year deal, with his medical due to take place shortly. (Fabrizio Romano)

Pep Guardiola has called for an additional coach and analyst for Manchester City’s first team next season, with the manager looking to refresh his squad and backline support. (Tolmie’s Hairstyle, X)

Fernandinho has not ruled out returning to Manchester City at a high level in the future, despite loving life back home in Brazil. (Tolmie’s Hairstyle, X)

Official communication from Manchester City regarding his signing Savio is expected after the Copa América, making him the club’s first official signing for next season. (Fabrizio Romano)

Manchester City are set to sign Savio on a five-year contract until 2029 and have also informed the winger of their intention for him to be part of their first-team plans under Pep Guardiola next season. (Guillermo Rai, Sam Lee – The Athletic)

“Adam Wharton. Don’t rule it out in the summer…” (Tolmie’s Hairstyle, X)

Despite interest from Chelsea and clubs from other European leagues, Manchester City are not pushing for a sale and will James McAtee opportunity this summer to convince Pep Guardiola that he can be part of City’s first team. (Simon Bajkowski, Manchester Evening News)

Lewis Fiorini left Manchester City and joined Stockport County. The deal is worth an initial £300,000, which could rise to £1 million. City also have a “large” sell-on clause attached to the deal. (Officially, Jack Gaughan and Mike Minay)

A loan business for Savio he remains on the cards if he fails to impress in Manchester City’s pre-season. However, there is hope that he will be ready to contribute and remain part of Pep Guardiola’s squad. (Sam Lee, The Athletic)

Matheus Nunes is currently considered most likely to leave Manchester City this summer, with interest from Saudi Arabia. (Sam Lee, The Athletic)

Sources at Manchester City do not seem particularly alarmed Edersonsituation this summer. (Sam Lee, The Athletic)

Extras included in the deal to take Taylor Harwood-Bellis to Southampton this week are “considerable” and similar to Kelechi Iheanacho’s deal with Leicester. 25% bonus and a first buyout option in the first three years of his contract with Saints. (Tolmie’s Hairstyle, X)

Taylor Harwood-Bellis to Southampton (obligation to buy £20m)

Lewis Fiorini to Stockport County (£300,000 which could rise to £1 million)

Stefan Ortega signed a one-year contract extension at Manchester City until the end of the 2025/26 season.

Scott Carson signed a one-year contract extension at Manchester City until the end of the 2024/25 season.