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Manchester City sets Premier League summer spending record of £458m in midfield overhaul

Under new manager Enzo Maresca, City brought in Enzo Fernandez, Elliot Anderson, and Ayyoub Bouaddi while leaving Erling Haaland without a natural direct backup striker.

Updated Sep 2, 2026 · 22:19 UTC1 reports

The short version

  • Manchester City spent a record £458m during the summer transfer window to restructure its midfield under new manager Enzo Maresca.
  • Major signings include Enzo Fernandez for £125m, Elliot Anderson for £116m, and Ayyoub Bouaddi for £86m, partly offset by £334m in player sales in 2026.
  • Following departures of fringe forwards, Erling Haaland remains the squad's only recognized, dedicated first-team center forward.
  • Maresca faces tactical decisions on how to integrate the new midfield depth and rotate attacking options if Haaland is sidelined.

Key facts

  • Manchester City spent a Premier League summer record £458m on new player acquisitions.[BBC News]
  • Key midfield additions included Enzo Fernandez for a joint-British record £125m, Elliot Anderson for £116m, and 18-year-old Ayyoub Bouaddi for £86m.[BBC News]
  • Midfielders Bernardo Silva, Rodri, Tijjani Reijnders, and Nico Gonzalez all departed the club.[BBC News]
  • City generated £334m in player sales since the start of 2026, putting net spending for the year at £208m.[BBC News]
  • Erling Haaland is left as the squad's sole recognized center forward following the loan departures of Omar Marmoush and Divin Mubama.[BBC News]

What remains uncertain

  • It is uncertain how effectively Enzo Maresca's tactical systems will integrate the heavily revamped midfield rotation over the full season.[BBC News]
  • Whether versatile wingers like Antoine Semenyo or newly signed £60m forward Ndiaye can adequately cover central scoring duties if Haaland misses time remains unproven.[BBC News]

Sources