As the 2025 summer transfer window looms, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola faces a pivotal moment in his quest to rebuild a squad that has struggled to maintain its dominance this season. The reigning Premier League champions, now languishing in fifth place with only six games left, are at risk of missing out on Champions League qualification—a scenario that could derail their ambitious recruitment plans. At the heart of City’s transfer strategy is a £64m-rated star, Monaco’s Maghnes Akliouche, who is reportedly “hesitant” about joining the Etihad Stadium, adding to Guardiola’s mounting concerns about securing top talent.
Akliouche, a 23-year-old French winger with a flair for cutting inside from the right, has been a standout in Ligue 1, drawing comparisons to former City playmaker Kevin De Bruyne for his vision and versatility. His ability to play as a right-winger or a No. 10 makes him an ideal fit for Guardiola’s fluid tactical system, especially as City prepare to lose De Bruyne, whose contract expires in June 2025. Last summer, Akliouche turned down a move to City, opting to extend his contract with Monaco until 2028, a decision that has inflated his price tag to between £60m and £69m. Despite City’s renewed interest, the young star’s reluctance to commit stems from doubts about the club’s immediate prospects, particularly the uncertainty surrounding Champions League football.
Guardiola, who signed a two-year contract extension in November 2024, is acutely aware of the stakes. “If they have many [options], I’m pretty sure the players take a look at the ones in the Champions League, of course,” he said, acknowledging the allure of Europe’s premier competition for top talents. City’s fifth-place standing, just one point ahead of Chelsea and Aston Villa, puts their top-four aspirations in jeopardy. A failure to secure a Champions League spot could deter not only Akliouche but other high-profile targets like Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz and Juventus’ Andrea Cambiaso, both of whom are on City’s radar.
The hesitation from Akliouche is a symptom of a broader challenge for Guardiola, who is overseeing a squad overhaul after a season marred by injuries and inconsistent form. The departures of key players like De Bruyne, and potential exits of veterans such as Kyle Walker and Mateo Kovacic, signal the end of an era that saw City win four consecutive Premier League titles. To fill the void, City invested £181.5m in January on players like Omar Marmoush, Vitor Reis, Nico Gonzalez, and Abdukodir Khusanov, but the summer window demands bolder moves to restore the team’s edge. “Good ones, physical ones, strong ones mentally,” Guardiola said, outlining his criteria for new signings, emphasizing the need for players who can handle the Premier League’s intensity.
Akliouche’s versatility could address multiple needs, especially with Jack Grealish’s future uncertain and Phil Foden potentially shifting to a central role. Yet, City face stiff competition from Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United, both eager to capitalize on Akliouche’s indecision. Monaco’s firm stance on their £64m valuation, bolstered by Akliouche’s long-term contract, further complicates negotiations. For Guardiola, the challenge is not just financial but strategic—convincing a young star to bet on City’s revival when the club’s immediate future hangs in the balance.
Beyond Akliouche, Guardiola’s “big concern” is the broader transfer market dynamics. The Premier League’s rising physicality, as he noted, demands a squad built for endurance and adaptability. City’s scouting department, soon to be led by incoming sporting director Hugo Viana, is under pressure to deliver players who can thrive under Guardiola’s demanding system. Alternatives like Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White, a close friend of Foden, and Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton are being considered, but none carry Akliouche’s unique blend of flair and positional flexibility.
As City prepare for crucial matches against Everton and Aston Villa, followed by an FA Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest, Guardiola remains focused on the present. “I’m concerned about these six games and FA Cup,” he said, deflecting questions about the transfer window. Yet, the specter of a Champions League-less season looms large, threatening to reshape City’s ambitions. For Akliouche, the decision to join City may hinge on whether Guardiola can steer the club back to Europe’s elite stage, proving that the Etihad remains a destination for the game’s brightest stars.