We are here with our ranking of Manchester City's transfer window so far. Manchester City have entered a new era. After years of unprecedented dominance under Pep Guardiola, the legendary manager has left the club, with Enzo Maresca now tasked with overseeing a major rebuild at the Etihad. With the squad entering a transitional period, this summer's transfer window represents an important opportunity for City to refresh their team while maintaining their status among Europe's elite.
So far, Manchester City have been extremely active, bringing in promising young talents alongside one major blockbuster signing. They have also moved on several players who have fallen down the pecking order. But how good has City's transfer window been so far?
Here's our ranking and grading of Manchester City's 2026 summer transfer window
Jeremy Monga – Grade A
Leicester → Manchester City | €11.7 million
Manchester City pulled off one of the more eye-catching coups of the summer by hijacking Jeremy Monga's move.
The highly rated teenage prodigy looked set to join Arsenal before City intervened and secured his signature for around €11.7 million. Monga is regarded as one of the most exciting young talents around, making this exactly the kind of deal City have become famous for.
While the teenager may not immediately become a first-team regular, securing a player with his potential ahead of a major rival makes this an excellent piece of business.
Elliot Anderson – Grade A
Nottingham Forest → Manchester City | €135 million
This is the signing that could define Manchester City's summer.
City have reportedly paid a British-record €135 million for Elliot Anderson, beating competition from Manchester United to land one of the world's best young midfielders.
Anderson enters the Etihad after an impressive World Cup campaign and looks ready to take another major step forward in his development. With City rebuilding their midfield and Maresca looking to establish his own style, the midfielder could become one of the most important players of the new era.
The fee is enormous, but so is the potential reward.
M. Detourbet – Grade B
Troyes → Manchester City | €25 million
Another example of City's long-term approach to squad building is the signing of M. Detourbet from Troyes for €25 million.
Like several of City's younger recruits, Detourbet has immediately been sent out on loan, allowing him to continue his development away from the pressure of the Etihad.
The €25 million fee suggests City see considerable potential in him, even if he isn't currently expected to contribute to Maresca's first team.
Pierce Charles – Grade: Nil
Sheffield Wednesday → Manchester City | €3.5 million
Pierce Charles represents another familiar type of Manchester City transfer.
The goalkeeper has arrived from Sheffield Wednesday for around €3.5 million and has immediately been sent out on loan to Queens Park Rangers.
It is difficult to judge the deal at this stage because the player isn't expected to play a significant role in the first team. These are essentially investments in future squad depth and potential resale value.
Manchester City Transfer Departures
Bernardo Silva – Grade D
Manchester City → Real Madrid | Free transfer
This is undoubtedly the biggest negative of City's summer so far.
Bernardo Silva is the kind of squad player virtually every elite club in world football would love to have. His intelligence, technical quality and versatility made him one of the most valuable members of City's golden-generation squad.
Losing him to Real Madrid on a free transfer represents a major blow, particularly during a rebuild.
Whatever the reasons behind the departure, allowing a player of Bernardo's quality to leave without a transfer fee is difficult to view positively.
John Stones – Grade B+
Manchester City → Inter | Free transfer
John Stones' departure is more understandable.
Injuries have severely disrupted his career in recent seasons, and although he remains an outstanding defender when fully fit, his ability to consistently perform at the highest level in the Premier League has become increasingly uncertain.
Moving him on allows City to reduce the squad and wage burden while giving Stones an opportunity for a fresh start at Inter.
Nathan Aké – Grade B
Manchester City → Fenerbahçe | €8.2 million
Nathan Aké had become surplus to requirements at City, making his departure a logical decision during the rebuild.
More importantly, City managed to secure a reasonable €8.2 million fee for a player who was no longer central to their plans. It represents sensible squad management and clears space for younger defensive options.
Manuel Akanji – Grade B
Manchester City → Inter | €15 million
Manuel Akanji is another defensive player City seemingly no longer needed, and his €15 million move to Inter represents another solid sale.
While Akanji provided useful depth during his time at the club, City appear to be reshaping their defensive options for the Maresca era. Getting €15 million for an expendable player is good business.
Manchester City's Transfer Window Verdict
Current Grade: B
Overall, Manchester City have had a solid B-grade transfer window so far.
The €135 million acquisition of Elliot Anderson is a statement signing, while the capture of Jeremy Monga ahead of Arsenal demonstrates City's ability to win battles for elite young talent. Their strategy of investing in promising youngsters also remains firmly intact.
On the outgoing side, City have done a good job clearing players who are no longer required, with the sales of Aké and Akanji representing particularly sensible business.
The major blemish is Bernardo Silva's free transfer to Real Madrid. Losing such an accomplished player without receiving a fee is a significant setback.
However, this window is far from finished.
Could Manchester City Finish With an A?
There could be plenty more drama before the transfer window closes.
Rodri is reportedly expected to leave for Barcelona, which would be a massive loss for City's midfield and could force the club into another major recruitment move. At the same time, City are closing in on Lille youngster Bouaddi, a player who has emerged as one of the most exciting young talents in world football following his World Cup breakthrough.
There are also rumours linking City with a move for Enzo Fernández, which would further strengthen Maresca's midfield options.
If City complete those moves, particularly if they successfully replace the quality lost in midfield, this could ultimately develop into an A-grade transfer window.
For now, though, City's rebuild under Maresca gets a solid B. The foundations are being laid, the squad is being refreshed, and the club's next generation is already beginning to take shape.
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