It a “DEAL DONE”: Man City Star Secures Huge New Contract, Ruling Out £25m Transfer
Manchester City are preparing for a transformative summer as Hugo Viana gears up to take on one of the most high-pressure roles in European football. The Portuguese executive is set to replace the long-serving Txiki Begiristain as the club’s Director of Football once the current season comes to a close, and his in-tray is already filling up with urgent matters to address.
Viana’s top priority will be to rejuvenate a Manchester City side that, despite its glittering recent history, has begun to show signs of wear and fatigue. Several key players are approaching the twilight of their careers, and the squad’s spine is in need of refreshing to maintain its dominance in both domestic and European competitions.
Among the biggest challenges Viana faces is identifying a long-term successor to Kevin De Bruyne. The Belgian maestro has been central to City’s success over the last decade, orchestrating attacks with world-class vision and technique. Finding someone capable of filling De Bruyne’s boots is no easy feat, but Viana appears to be wasting no time in drawing up a list of potential targets.
One name at the top of City’s wishlist is Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz. The 20-year-old German international has emerged as one of the most exciting young talents in Europe, playing a pivotal role in Leverkusen’s remarkable campaign under Xabi Alonso. Reports indicate that Manchester City have already held meetings with Leverkusen officials to explore the possibility of a summer deal, although competition for Wirtz’s signature is expected to be fierce.
In addition to midfield reinforcements, Viana is also prioritizing the recruitment of a new central defender. With ongoing concerns around defensive depth, City have turned their attention to Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite. The 21-year-old centre-back has impressed with his composure, physicality, and aerial dominance – qualities Pep Guardiola highly values in his defensive setup. However, Everton are likely to demand a significant fee, especially given the number of top clubs also monitoring Branthwaite’s progress.
The right-back position is another area under review, with veteran Kyle Walker expected to leave the Etihad Stadium permanently in the upcoming transfer window. One player City had been seriously considering as a replacement was Crystal Palace’s Daniel Munoz. The Colombian defender had a modest £25 million release clause in his previous contract, making him an attractive, cost-effective option for Viana and Guardiola.
However, City’s hopes of landing Munoz have been dealt a blow. According to journalist Alan Nixon on Patreon, the 28-year-old has now committed his future to Crystal Palace by signing a new long-term contract that runs until June 2029. The new deal includes a 50% pay increase, a reward for Munoz’s standout performances this season. In 38 appearances across all competitions, he has registered an impressive six goals and six assists – attacking numbers that mirror the kind of output Guardiola expects from his full-backs.
Despite losing out on Munoz, Manchester City haven’t turned their gaze away from Selhurst Park just yet. Crystal Palace continue to be a hunting ground for the Premier League champions, with several other Eagles stars catching Viana’s eye.
Among them is rising midfield sensation Adam Wharton. Since arriving from Blackburn Rovers in February 2024, the 20-year-old has quickly established himself as a key figure in Palace’s midfield. His performances have been so compelling that he earned a call-up to the England national team within months of his Premier League debut. City see Wharton as a player with immense potential who could thrive under Guardiola’s guidance.
Another player on City’s radar is England international Marc Guehi. The centre-back has been a rock in Palace’s defence and presents a viable alternative should negotiations for Branthwaite stall. Guehi’s leadership qualities and consistent displays have not gone unnoticed at the Etihad, and Viana is believed to be weighing up a move depending on how Everton handle their valuation of Branthwaite.
While Crystal Palace may have succeeded in locking down Munoz, they remain vulnerable to Manchester City’s pursuit of their brightest stars. Viana’s arrival signals a new era of strategic recruitment at the Etihad – and it appears the Portuguese chief is already making bold moves to shape the next great City side.
