City are pursuing Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández before the transfer window closes, as Maresca looks to reinforce his squad’s leadership group.
Maresca outlines need for City dressing room leaders
Maresca confirmed that the club are actively looking to recruit “one or two captains” before Tuesday’s deadline to provide extra voices alongside the established figures of Rúben Dias and Erling Haaland.
‘We have experienced players,” Maresca said. “For sure, we have leaders. Now we need to wait four-five more days until the transfer window closes to see if we can add one or two more captains to Rúben and Erling.’
Why Fernández fits the Maresca blueprint
City have identified Fernández as a prime candidate capable of immediately assuming significant responsibility in the City dressing room. Although Chelsea’s self-imposed 14 August deadline for a formal bid elapsed without a bid, City are still expected to make a late move for the 25-year-old midfielder.
Reshaping the City midfield
The addition of Fernández would offer vital composure and control in the central third, building on tactical lessons that all began in the K League All-Stars game and were honed in the Inter Milan friendly. It’s a tactical revolution (or evolution) that is still ongoing.
Transfer deadline outlook and squad restructuring
Activity surrounding City’s transfers is naturally accelerating ahead of the deadline, with potential outgoings also on the horizon.
Omar Marmoush is poised to join Tottenham, while Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo is being monitored.
‘I think Omar is set to leave. It’s not done yet, but we are waiting for that,’ Maresca confirmed.
On Jack Grealish’s prospective loan exit, the manager noted: ‘Jack is here until the day that he’s not here,’ before adding, ‘It’s my duty to try to help him to give us the best, and then we’ll see in the next four-five days what happens.’
