Manchester City are charging into the 2025 summer transfer window with relentless ambition, determined to reclaim their place at the pinnacle of the Premier League after a lackluster 2024/25 season that saw them finish third, 13 points behind champions Liverpool. The Citizens have secured their third major signing of the window, with transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirming the arrival of Rayan Cherki from Olympique Lyonnais in a deal worth €35 million, including add-ons. “Here we go!” Romano announced, signaling that the 21-year-old French attacking midfielder will sign a five-year contract, with documents being finalized in time for the Club World Cup. Meanwhile, rumors swirl that Chelsea’s young defender Bashir Humphreys could be the next to join Pep Guardiola’s revamped squad, as City aim to fortify their defense ahead of a grueling 2025/26 campaign.
Cherki’s signing marks a significant coup for Manchester City, who have already welcomed Dutch midfielder Tijjani Reijnders for £58.9 million and Wolves’ left-back Rayan Aït-Nouri for €40 million. The versatile Lyon star, known for his flair and creativity, is expected to inject dynamism into City’s midfield, filling the void left by the departure of Kevin De Bruyne, who was released after his contract expired in May 2025. “Give me good players,” Guardiola quipped when asked about his summer priorities, a request City’s board has clearly heeded with Cherki’s arrival. The young Frenchman, who recorded 22 goals and 12 assists in 48 games last season, is seen as a long-term investment, with his medical tests scheduled for Saturday to ensure his readiness for the Club World Cup. City’s proactive approach in the transfer market reflects their determination to avoid another trophyless season, as new sporting director Hugo Viana works closely with Guardiola to rebuild a squad that struggled with depth last year.
The potential move for Chelsea’s Bashir Humphreys adds further intrigue to City’s transfer strategy. The 21-year-old defender, who joined Burnley on a permanent £10 million deal earlier this summer, is reportedly back on City’s radar as they seek to bolster their backline. Humphreys, a product of Chelsea’s academy, made only eight Premier League appearances for the Blues before his move to Turf Moor, but his potential has caught Guardiola’s eye. “We need fresh energy,” Guardiola emphasized, highlighting the need for young, versatile players to handle the demands of competing in the Premier League, Champions League, and Club World Cup. Humphreys’ familiarity with the Premier League and his ability to play as a center-back or right-back make him an attractive target, though negotiations are still in early stages, with Chelsea’s busy transfer window adding complexity to any potential deal.
Chelsea, under Enzo Maresca, have been equally active, securing Liam Delap from Ipswich for £30 million and pursuing Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Bynoe-Gittens with a €35 million bid. However, the Blues are also navigating potential outgoings, with Humphreys’ name surfacing amid interest from City. The defender’s departure from Stamford Bridge was part of a broader squad overhaul, with players like Jadon Sancho returning to Manchester United after a loan spell and Raheem Sterling linked with Fenerbahce. “Chelsea are looking to compete on four fronts next season,” Maresca noted, underscoring the club’s ambition after qualifying for the Champions League. Humphreys’ potential move to City could see him reunite with former Chelsea teammate John Stones, who has been linked with a swap deal involving Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite, a target for both clubs.
City’s transfer activity comes at a critical juncture. The loss of key players like De Bruyne and backup goalkeeper Scott Carson, combined with Jack Grealish’s potential loan move to Newcastle with a £67 million mandatory buy clause, has left gaps in the squad. Cherki’s arrival, alongside Reijnders and Aït-Nouri, signals a shift toward youth and versatility, with City banking on these signings to restore their dominance. “The club has identified summer targets already,” chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak stated, reflecting confidence in the recruitment strategy despite the challenges of Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).
As the transfer window, open from June 1 to June 10 for Club World Cup preparations, nears its close, both Manchester City and Chelsea are moving swiftly. City’s pursuit of Humphreys, if successful, would add depth to a defense that struggled last season, while Cherki’s signing promises to electrify their attack. For Chelsea, balancing incoming talent like Delap and Bynoe-Gittens with potential exits like Humphreys underscores their ambition to challenge for silverware. The transfer saga, fueled by Romano’s “here we go” confirmation, sets the stage for a thrilling 2025/26 season, with both clubs poised to reshape their futures.
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