‘Man City have just done FIFA a big favour with double deal close’
Man City are set to take advantage of the early transfer window by wrapping up a marquee pair of deals in the coming days.
It has been widely reported that AC Milan midfielder Tijjani Reijnders and Wolves left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri are set to join Pep Guardiola’s squad.
The window is open from 1 June to 10 June to allow for an exceptional registration period ahead of the new-look Club World Cup.
Man City will face Wydad AC, Al Ain and Juventus in the group stage of the competition – which will pay a total of £97million in prize money to the eventual winner.
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – has suggested City are doing Fifa a big favour.
Man City double deal will help FIFA, says Wyness
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness insisted participating clubs signing new players will draw more eyes to the struggling new Club World Cup.
The competition is faltering with venues struggling to sell out tickets, while Fifa also faced a fight to sell TV rights for games.
Wyness claimed Fifa will be “pulling any trick they can” to get eyes on the tournament before the big kick-off on 14 June.
| Chelsea (ENG) | Bayern Munich (GER) | Porto (POR) | Juventus (ITA) |
| Man City (ENG) | Paris Saint-Germain (FRA) | Benfica (POR) | Atletico Madrid (ESP) |
| Real Madrid (ESP) | Inter Milan (ITA) | Borussia Dortmund (GER) | Red Bull Salzburg (AUT) |
He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “The window has opened earlier to allow clubs in the Club World Cup a chance to try and get some new players in.
“City look like they’re doing just that.
“Selfishly, of course from FIFA, it helps FIFA with any new players coming into those clubs that there’s going be more interest in watching them play in the Club World Cup.
“FIFA are doing whatever they possibly can, pulling any trick they can, to try and get this Club World Cup – which is on life support right now – and really to breathe some life into it.
Man City duo close in on exits
Meanwhile, Football Insider has revealed (30 May) that Jack Grealish and James McAtee are expected to leave as part of Man City’s clear out.
Guardiola has made it clear that a number of players will leave the Etihad Stadium this summer ahead of a squad reshuffle.
The Club World Cup in June is also set to provide a well-timed financial boost ahead of an important summer for City.
For more Manchester City and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.