In a transfer window that could become one like no other at Manchester City, one aspect of the Blues’ summer business has gone under the radar.
City are set for a significant few weeks in the transfer window, with Rodri and Tijjani Reijnders likely to depart, with replacements sought for both. City are also continuing to work on a deal for teenage sensation Ayyoub Bouaddi and want to sign a winger – a move that will be hastened should Savinho leave amid longstanding interest from Tottenham.
But in among all the transfer chatter, the Blues have quietly tied down four of their key players to long-term contracts. Jeremy Doku became the latest to extend his Etihad stay, following Phil Foden, Abdukodir Khusanov and Josko Gvardiol in penning fresh terms.
Of the quartet, Foden is the oldest at 26 and all could be a significant part of City’s future under new boss Enzo Maresca.
While contract extensions will inevitably fail to make the same headlines as signings, the fact City have been able to tie down four players who are arguably all coming into their prime in a summer where Pep Guardiola has left the club is real marker.
Gvardiol was linked with Real Madrid and Bayern Munich but has pledged his future to City while Foden, Khusanov and Gvardiol could be vital players over the coming years. That, coupled with Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guehi joining in January when both would have known there was at least a chance Guardiola would depart within a matter of months, is proof of City’s pulling power and their futureproofing.
It’s not just about what players can offer on the pitch; the personality, mentality and character away from the field are also key factors for the Blues. Director of Football Hugo Viana places great emphasis on the person as well as the player and it’s been telling that he’s spoken of the make-up of Gvardiol, Khusanov, Foden and Doku in the past few weeks.
“None of what he (Foden) has achieved would be possible without the focus, dedication and humility to work hard in every moment and absorb all of the knowledge available to him through our coaches and players,” said Viana on the City playmaker.
Viana said Khusanov is growing “into a brilliant young man” while Doku was labelled “a fantastic person” with a “first-class attitude”.
On Gvardiol, the Portuguese said: “The way he conducts himself is also very impressive. This is a young man determined to be the best he can be – an approach that is totally aligned with our overall vision.”
It’s a vision made easier to achieve by retaining your best talent and allowing a group to grow together. For all the player churn in the past two years at the Etihad, the nucleus of a squad that can define the next City era is emerging.
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