Manchester City may need to rethink their summer transfer strategy. Norwegian youngster Oscar Bobb, who impressed during the U.S. tour and provided a brilliant assist in City’s Community Shield victory over Manchester United, is set to miss the start of the season after fracturing a bone in his leg. The full recovery timeline remains uncertain.
City were already short on attacking options after Julian Alvarez’s unexpected transfer to Atletico Madrid, which was completed just before Pep Guardiola’s side secured more silverware at Wembley. That deal brought in £81.5 million, and according to the Manchester Evening News, City had been considering replacements for Alvarez before Bobb’s injury. However, with Guardiola’s wealth of internal options, it wasn’t seen as an immediate priority for Txiki Begiristain to act.
Now, City’s plans might shift as they look to maintain their edge over Premier League rivals. One intriguing possibility is for City to hijack Liverpool’s pursuit of a £75 million target.
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Liverpool have been cautious in the transfer market this summer, with several players linked to them, but Fenway Sports Group has yet to secure a first-team signing for manager Arne Slot. A high-profile move for Anthony Gordon was nearly completed, with Newcastle United pulling out at the last minute. Gordon, a Liverpool native who spent over a decade with Everton before moving to St. James’ Park in January 2023, was set to cost around £75 million. As the August 30 deadline approaches, his fee is likely to rise.
There’s always a premium for top domestic talent, and Gordon could become the subject of a fierce bidding war in the coming weeks. City have a history of splashing out on English players, with big-money signings like Kyle Walker, John Stones, Raheem Sterling, and Jack Grealish. Ivan Toney has also been tentatively linked with the club this summer.
Gordon fits the profile of a City target, and with the financial power to outbid Liverpool, the question remains whether Guardiola will decide to make his move.