Manchester City Transfer Rumour Round Up: Incoming Midfielders

Unless FIFA get their skates on quick in the next few weeks, Manchester City will probably be unlikely to face a transfer ban this summer.

There have been rumours surrounding Manchester City facing a possible transfer ban from FIFA for some time. FIFA have been investigating the signing of young players by many top groups and as it stands Barcelona, Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid and Chelsea have all been banned in relation to breaches of the rules. With this in mind many football fans expect City to face a similar fate once investigations are concluded. However the Summer transfer window will soon be upon us and we are reaching the point where City may legitimately be signing players now in readiness- making large financial commitments. It would be an interesting Court case if a transfer ban for this summer was imposed now as it is likely City would sue to cover costs.

Putting that to one side it is probably wise to start a quick run through of where we are in respect of transfer rumours. This article will concentrate on what is likely to be the biggest single area of focus in the next transfer window – midfielders.

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Here there are three names which City have been linked with in the last few weeks. These players are all suggested by the press as being in negotiation and have seemingly been heavily scouted. Of course the usual word of caution applies to these transfer rumours. Players and agents often mention large Clubs like City during contract negotiations to drive up a price or create a market. Stories can be placed with friendly press, so being linked does not necessarily make a rumour true.

Hakim Ziyech

Hakim Ziyech is the first player on this list. He is a 26 year old Moroccan International Right Winger currently tearing up the Champions League with Ajax. He has played a total of 43 games so far this season during which he has posted some impressive numbers – 19 goals and 20 assists! It would seem he is potentially available for around £30 million and accordingly has been linked with a series of Clubs – Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal and Manchester City.

Bruno Fernandes

Bruno Fernandes is a 24 year old Portuguese player currently playing for Sporting. As an attacking midfielder he has played a total of 48 games this season, scoring 28 times and assisting a further 15 times. It would of course be great if he was able to post a similar return in the Premier League. Apparently if the Portuguese and Spanish press are to be believed our Director of Football Txiki Begiristain has been in detailed talks with Sporting. Press are again reporting a fee of around £30 million but some outlets have suggested he has an £87 million release clause in his contract.

Rodri

Rodri is a 22 year old Spanish player currently playing for Atletico Madrid and unlike the other midfielders he is a defensive midfielder. Our search for a Fernandinho replacement has been going on for ages and has taken us past players like Jorginho and Fred and most recently through Ndombele and De Jong. Rodri – or to give him his full name – Rodrigo Hernandez Cascante, seems to fit the bill excellently for us. He is available for his release clause which is £60.6 million and he has been a solid performer for Athletico this season. Reports are suggesting again that Begiristain is in talks at the moment to sign him.

So there we have it – and if things are to be believed we have three midfielders on the go in negotiations at the moment. If that really is the case then it may suggest we have some potential outgoings during the summer too!

Rodri

Fernandes

Ziyech