(Credit: Imago)

James Murray

Tue 28 April 2026 16:09, UK

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Manchester City are set for a “very busy” summer transfer window as they look to strengthen their squad at the Etihad Stadium. 

That is according to former Man City financial adviser Stefan Borson, who exclusively told Football Insider Pep Guardiola’s side are looking to bring in “high-quality players” ahead of next season.

Elliot Anderson is the number-one target for the Manchester giants heading into the summer window.

However, Nottingham Forest are expected to demand a significant fee for the England international following his strong performances this season.

Man City have spent heavily on improving their squad over the past three transfer windows, with several players arriving through the door at the Etihad.

Why Man City can afford big-money Yan Diomande deal

Man City have been linked with a move for Yan Diomande, while Liverpool are also interested in signing the winger as a replacement for Mohamed Salah. 

Football Insider revealed on Tuesday (28 April) RB Leipzig want £87million for Diomande following his impressive campaign in the Bundesliga. 

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Borson discussed Man City and Liverpool’s ability to pay that kind of money for the 19-year-old this summer.

“It’s about prioritisation,” said Borson.

“Individually, both clubs could buy a player for that sort of money. But I don’t think that either club can buy multiple players for that kind of money this summer. Then again, the flip side is who you’re selling.

“If a club can get rid of three or four of its fringe players, I don’t believe they can by the way, because I just don’t see where the money’s coming from this summer, but let’s say they could, then of course that changes things. But all things being equal, there are limited budget around for teams. 

“There were some very big summers last season. City had a very big summer and a big winter, so the squad’s very big. They will have to sell some of the fringe players. I don’t know how easy that will be to achieve.

“The more players City can sell that are surplus to requirements, the more they’ll be able to bring in. They’re certainly looking quite aggressive in terms of their approach to the transfer market this summer. They seem very busy and to be targeting some very expensive, very high-quality players.”

What Liverpool’s immediate transfer focus will be this summer

Borson revealed Liverpool will be focused on who they can sell before planning to spend big again this summer.

“Liverpool will want to fill the seller gap,” said Borson.

“They’ll obviously make a very big saving on Salah’s enormous salary, so that’s positive for them. But they had an extremely expensive summer last summer. You wouldn’t think they’re going to do a £400m summer again. 

“A lot of what’s going to happen is just as much dependent on how much business can be done for these players that are on the edges of these squads, and I don’t see that those are going to be easy deals to do.

“I don’t see where these sorts of £50-60m players are going to go because, outside of the Premier League, there’s a tiny number of teams that can pay that for footballers.”