Manchester City raised over £300 million last summer by selling nine first-team players, reshaping their squad and funding a quieter transfer window. Several of those departures have made immediate impacts at their new clubs, while others face challenges adapting away from the Etihad.
Bernardo Silva’s free transfer to Real Madrid drew little surprise, especially with José Mourinho back at the Spanish club. The Portuguese midfielder has featured regularly in all competitions, making 13 appearances as Madrid chase Barcelona in La Liga. His experience and style fit well into the squad, and he has become a consistent presence there.
John Stones swapped the Premier League for Serie A by joining Inter Milan after his Manchester City contract expired in June. The defender made three substitute appearances before starting against Udinese in September, but a foot injury forced him off early, and he has not played since. His time in Milan has been halted by setbacks, continuing a pattern of injuries in recent years.
Manuel Akanji also moved to Inter Milan, finalising a £13 million deal that formalised his loan from the previous season. He has made 13 appearances this term for the side sitting second in the Serie A table behind an unbeaten Lazio, playing under the dominant Italian club.
Nathan Ake, who contributed during City’s treble-winning season and 2023-24 Premier League title, struggled for game time amid injuries and competition. Sold to Fenerbahce for £7 million, Ake has faced ups and downs. He missed a Champions League match against Liverpool with a hamstring injury but played the full 90 minutes in a 6-0 defeat at Aston Villa.
Goalkeeper James Trafford returned to Manchester City in 2025 but was quickly replaced by Gianluigi Donnarumma as first choice. He made only a handful of appearances before seeking regular first-team football, which led to his record £45 million transfer to Leeds United. Trafford has thrived at Leeds, earning two England caps during the latest international break. Reflecting on his struggles last season, he said, “I had to play regularly this season for my own mental wellbeing. You just lose yourself not playing.”
Rodri moved to Barcelona for £65.4 million, with the Catalan club able to increase his wages amid renewed financial freedom. City replaced him with three players but have yet to find a straightforward replacement for the midfielder’s presence. Rodri has integrated well at Barcelona but missed recent matches against Aston Villa and Atletico Madrid as the club manages his minutes to avoid further injury.
Tijjani Reijnders made a memorable Premier League debut with a goal and assist in a 4-0 win at Wolves, prompting Alan Shearer to call it “almost the perfect midfield performance.” However, Reijnders’ form faded, and he found himself on the bench toward the end of last season. Saudi Pro League club Al-Qadsiah paid £52 million to sign him, and he has responded with eight goals in 10 league matches, suggesting he may be too talented for the Saudi league at this stage.
Savio’s £75 million move to Tottenham raised eyebrows given his modest output at City, where he scored just two Premier League goals over two seasons. The winger contributed a goal and assist in a Carabao Cup win on debut but has yet to find the net in the Premier League for Spurs.
Nico Gonzalez joined Newcastle for £48 million, a deal that some feel may have been premature. His start under manager Matthias Jaissle has been inconsistent, yet he has performed well at times and could improve with more structure around him.
The nine departures have shaped Manchester City’s summer finances and squad changes. Some players, like Bernardo Silva and James Trafford, have quickly settled and made their marks, while others face challenges or are still finding their form. The next few months will reveal whether these moves become long-term successes for the players and their clubs.
According to Planet Football.
