Fans rejoicing as Man City Signed “world-best” £50m star, who’s more better than Kerkez
Manchester City Eye Summer Overhaul with Midfield and Defensive Targets in Sight
With the summer transfer window set to open on June 1, Manchester City are wasting no time identifying their top targets as they prepare to reshape their squad ahead of the 2025/26 campaign. The reigning Premier League champions are bracing for the potential departure of Kevin De Bruyne, and plans are already being drawn up to secure high-profile replacements for the Belgian maestro.
Wirtz and Gibbs-White Lined Up to Fill De Bruyne Void
City are believed to have pinpointed Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz and Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White as two of their primary candidates to step into De Bruyne’s shoes. Both players have enjoyed impressive seasons and are viewed as creative forces capable of thriving under Pep Guardiola’s demanding style of play.
However, neither player will come cheap. Wirtz, who played a pivotal role in Leverkusen’s historic unbeaten domestic season, is currently valued at a staggering £129 million. Meanwhile, Forest are reportedly holding firm on their £100 million valuation of Gibbs-White, who has emerged as one of the most exciting English midfielders in the Premier League. If City want to secure either signing, they will need to be prepared to break the bank.
Strengthening the Backline: Guardiola Eyes New Full-Backs
But City’s summer shopping list doesn’t end in midfield. Reinforcements in defence are also on the agenda, particularly at full-back, where Guardiola is eager to add fresh options to maintain his tactical flexibility and depth.
One of the names high on City’s radar is Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez. The 20-year-old Hungarian has enjoyed a breakout season on the south coast, turning heads with his dynamic performances and catching the attention of both City and Liverpool. Viewed as a long-term solution at left-back, Kerkez’s potential has made him one of the most sought-after young defenders in the Premier League.
However, another name appears to be gaining traction in the City camp — Juventus’ Andrea Cambiaso. The Italian full-back, who has impressed in Serie A, was previously monitored by City during the January transfer window. Although no move occurred at the time, recent reports from The Sun suggest that Guardiola remains highly interested and could push for a deal once the window officially opens.
Cambiaso vs Kerkez: Experience and Versatility May Tip the Balance
While Kerkez is considered a high-upside option for the future, Cambiaso offers immediate impact and greater versatility. The 24-year-old has quietly developed into one of Juventus’ most reliable performers since his arrival from Genoa in 2022, showcasing consistent quality at both ends of the pitch.
Statistically, Cambiaso has outperformed Kerkez in several key areas this season. According to FBRef, the Italian boasts higher numbers in shots per 90 minutes (0.63 vs 0.51), shot-creating actions (3.41 vs 2.26), successful take-ons (25 vs 20), and goal-creating actions (0.31 vs 0.27). In terms of possession and passing, Cambiaso also has the edge with an 89.5% pass completion rate compared to Kerkez’s 75.2%, while winning a slightly higher percentage of aerial duels (37.5% vs 35.2%).
These figures suggest Cambiaso could be the more polished and reliable option heading into a season where fine margins could determine success. European football analyst Zach Lowy even described him as “world-class” last season — high praise that only reinforces his growing reputation.
Another important factor in Guardiola’s thinking is positional flexibility. Cambiaso is comfortable playing on either flank of the defence, a trait highly valued by a manager who often shifts formations mid-game. Kerkez, by contrast, is more limited, being a specialist left-back.
City’s Transfer Strategy Takes Shape
Juventus are believed to be closing in on a replacement for Cambiaso, which could pave the way for a summer move to the Etihad. A fee of around €60 million (£50 million) has reportedly been set by the Turin giants — a price well within City’s reach.
As Manchester City enter a potentially transformative summer, the decisions made in the coming months could define the club’s future. While young stars like Kerkez may be ones for the future, seasoned and adaptable players like Cambiaso could prove crucial in maintaining City’s dominance both domestically and in Europe.
Guardiola has never shied away from bold decisions in the transfer market — and with key players potentially leaving and rivals strengthening, this summer looks set to be another busy and decisive one for the Citizens
