Ivan Toney and Jack Grealish. (Image: Getty)
Manchester City have had a reserved window compared to their usual big-spending standards, with the Blues having welcomed just two new signings.
Savinho joined from CFG side Troyes and cost the Premier League champions £33million, while former skipper Ilkay Gundogan returned to the club on a free transfer from Barcelona.
The story of the summer for City has been outgoings, with Pep Guardiola’s side having raised a total of £175m from player sales.
But ahead of the transfer window ending, Express Sport have detailed what City’s dream deadline day might look like.
Ivan Toney has been linked with a move away from Brentford all summer. (Image: Getty)
Ivan Toney signs for Man City
The envy of the footballing world, Guardiola has an embarrassment of riches to choose from within his squad… except for one position.
Julian Alvarez’s departure to Atletico Madrid means that apart from Erling Haaland, the Etihad Stadium outfit don’t have a recognised striker in their squad.
It might’ve been reported that they don’t plan to make any more additions this summer, but if a tempting deal involving Ivan Toney surfaced ahead of tonight’s deadline, what’s to say City’s interest isn’t piqued?
Toney boasts just one year left on his deal with Brentford, making today the west Londoners’ final chance to cash in. City have money to spend, they need a striker and Toney is available. It’s the perfect fit, right?
Jack Grealish needs to prove his worth this season for club and country. (Image: Getty)
Jack Grealish decision made
There was a time when it looked like Jack Grealish finishing the window as a City player might’ve been out of the question, such was the speculation earlier in the summer.
Alas, the former Aston Villa captain is still at the Etihad Stadium and that’s how it looks like staying. Well, for now at least.
It’s a big season for Grealish and if he’s unable to rediscover the form that helped City to the Treble two seasons ago, the transfer noise linking him with a move away could start to pick up ahead of next summer’s window.
Yet to start under Guardiola this term, Grealish was handed a welcome mid-week boost when Lee Carsley named him in his first England squad as interim boss. It’s now time for the 28-year-old to prove himself on the pitch.
Matheus Nunes has been linked to a loan move away from City. (Image: Getty)
City keep hold of squad players ahead of hectic season
Despite the volume of exits this summer, there’s nothing to say there aren’t more departures before 11pm this evening.
Guardiola notoriously likes to operate with a smaller squad, but with the increased schedule this season, City won’t want to be left short.
If there are to be no more incomings, City’s dream deadline day would also involve no more outgoings as well.
While the likes of James McAtee, Nico O’Reilly and Matheus Nunes might not see the pitch much this summer, keeping them in the squad could be paramount to City fighting across all fronts.
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1941927/toney-signs-grealish-decision-made-man-city-deadline-day