In what could become one of the most talked-about transfer coups of the summer window, Manchester City have reportedly been given the green light to complete a stunning £115 million triple transfer swoop. According to multiple reliable sources, the Premier League champions are moving swiftly to secure the signings of three highly-rated talents, with medicals already scheduled in the coming days. Pep Guardiola appears keen on reinforcing his side early in the window, and the latest developments indicate the Cityzens are wasting no time.
The Triple Swoop: Who Are the Targets?
The three players reportedly on their way to the Etihad Stadium are João Neves (Benfica), Michael Olise (Crystal Palace), and Jorrel Hato (Ajax). The combined value of the deals is believed to be in the region of £115 million, with each transfer addressing a specific area of Guardiola’s squad that needs depth, energy, and future potential.
- João Neves – The Next Portuguese Midfield Maestro
Benfica’s João Neves has been on the radar of several top European clubs following a breakout season in Portugal. The 19-year-old midfielder, often likened to Bernardo Silva for his technical abilities and tactical intelligence, is reportedly the most expensive of the trio, with a fee of around £52 million.
Manchester City are believed to have been tracking Neves since last year, with Guardiola particularly impressed by his composure on the ball, work rate, and ability to control tempo – key traits for a player expected to succeed the likes of Ilkay Gündoğan and, in time, even Kevin De Bruyne.
Neves played a pivotal role in Benfica’s 2024/25 campaign, featuring in both domestic and European competitions. His versatility to operate as a defensive midfielder or in a box-to-box role adds significant value. With Fernandinho and Gündoğan gone, and Kalvin Phillips struggling to fit in, Neves seems tailor-made for the City system.
- Michael Olise – A Dynamic Attacking Option
Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise has long been seen as one of the most exciting young attackers in the Premier League. After a scintillating season at Selhurst Park where he racked up 11 goals and 9 assists in just 23 appearances, Olise has attracted interest from top English and European clubs. City have reportedly agreed to trigger his £35 million release clause.
Olise, a left-footed winger known for his dribbling, vision, and deadly delivery, would offer Guardiola another dangerous weapon, especially as the club looks to balance the workload of players like Jack Grealish, Phil Foden, and Jeremy Doku. His ability to operate on either flank, and even as a central playmaker, gives City more tactical flexibility in attacking phases.
Reports claim that Olise has already agreed personal terms and is expected to undergo a medical at City’s training complex within the next 48 hours.
- Jorrel Hato – The Ajax Prodigy
The third name in this blockbuster move is Ajax’s Jorrel Hato, one of the most highly rated teenage defenders in Europe. At just 18, Hato has captained Ajax in several Eredivisie matches, demonstrating maturity and leadership beyond his years. A left-footed centre-back who can also operate as a full-back, Hato is seen as the ideal long-term replacement for Aymeric Laporte, who left last season.
City have reportedly agreed to pay around £28 million for the Dutchman, with performance-based add-ons included in the deal. Guardiola has always valued versatile defenders, and Hato’s composure, pace, and ball-playing abilities fit perfectly into City’s tactical ethos.
Hato is expected to be eased into the squad slowly, but he will be part of the senior setup from day one – a testament to how highly City regard his potential.
Guardiola’s Vision: Youth, Depth, and Evolution
What’s most striking about this triple move is the strategic clarity it reflects. Guardiola isn’t just buying players to fill gaps – he’s building for the next generation. Each of the three targets is under 21, highly technical, and comfortable in possession. More importantly, all are used to playing in systems that emphasize tactical discipline and positional awareness – key traits in Guardiola’s philosophy.
With Manchester City seeking to maintain their domestic dominance while chasing the elusive back-to-back Champions League titles, squad depth and rotation have become even more vital. Injuries to De Bruyne and Haaland last season exposed some vulnerabilities, and these signings will give the squad both flexibility and sustainability for the years ahead.
Squad Implications: Who Could Make Way?
As exciting as these arrivals are, they raise questions about the futures of some current City players.
Kalvin Phillips, already on the fringes, is expected to depart permanently, with West Ham and Aston Villa interested.
Jack Grealish, who had an underwhelming 2024/25 season due to injuries and inconsistency, could face stiff competition from Olise and Doku.
Stefan Ortega, whose contract expires in 2026, may look for regular minutes elsewhere if City add more young defensive talents like Hato.
Academy prospects such as Oscar Bobb and Rico Lewis may be loaned out to ensure regular game time.
Guardiola, however, is known for managing large squads well, and the competition for places is often seen as a motivating factor rather than a disruption.
Financials and FFP: How City Can Afford It
One inevitable question from rival fans will be: how can City afford this spending spree amid Financial Fair Play (FFP) scrutiny? The answer lies in smart financial planning, player sales, and commercial growth.
In recent years, City have offloaded several academy graduates – such as Cole Palmer to Chelsea – for substantial profits. Additionally, their Champions League victory in 2023 and continuous domestic success have significantly boosted revenue streams. The club also benefits from one of the highest commercial incomes in the world, thanks to long-term deals with Etihad, Puma, and other sponsors.
It’s also worth noting that City’s net spend has often been lower than that of rivals like Manchester United and Chelsea, due to their ability to sell well and buy strategically.
What Next? Medicals, Announcements, and Pre-Season
According to the reports, all three players are expected to undergo medicals in the next 72 hours. If everything goes to plan, official announcements could be made by the club before the start of the pre-season tour in Asia, which begins in early July.
City fans will be excited to see how the new recruits integrate into the team and whether they feature in the early pre-season matches. Pep is known for using these tours to experiment with lineups and give young signings valuable exposure.
Final Thoughts
Manchester City’s pursuit of João Neves, Michael Olise, and Jorrel Hato underlines their ambition not just to stay ahead but to evolve and dominate for the foreseeable future. By blending youth with proven talent and integrating them into a winning culture, Guardiola is shaping a new generation of champions.
If these signings live up to their potential, we may look back at this £115m triple swoop as the beginning of another golden era at the Etihad. The message from City is loud and clear: success is not enough – excellence must be sustained, and the future must be built today.
Stay tuned for official announcements, player presentations, and more exclusive updates as this story develops.
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