Manchester City Set To Offload Matheus Nunes After Ilkay Gundogan’s Return: Liverpool, Newcastle, Atletico Madrid In The Mix
Manchester City is reportedly ready to part ways with Matheus Nunes after the re-signing of Ilkay Gundogan. The Portuguese midfielder, who joined City for a hefty £53 million last summer, has struggled to find his footing under Pep Guardiola. Six clubs, including Liverpool, Newcastle, and Atletico Madrid, are now vying for his signature, with a loan move with an option to buy appearing to be the most likely outcome.
Key Takeaways:
- Gundogan’s return to City has pushed Nunes down the pecking order, making his departure more likely.
- A loan deal with an option to buy for around £40 million is being negotiated as the preferred exit route.
- Several Premier League clubs, including Liverpool, Newcastle, Everton, and West Ham are showing interest.
- Atletico Madrid is emerging as a strong contender, having already initiated discussions for a loan move.
- Nunes’ future could be decided by the end of the transfer window.
A Difficult Start for Nunes at City
Nunes’ arrival at Manchester City last summer was met with excitement, but the midfielder has failed to live up to expectations. Though he showcased flashes of his potential, he couldn’t consistently break into Guardiola’s starting XI. The arrival of the experienced Gundogan, who was initially a surprise signing for City, effectively pushes Nunes even further down the pecking order.
"Guardiola is reportedly willing to offload the 25-year-old Portugal international after Nunes has struggled to make an impact since his £53m arrival from Wolves last summer," according to The Daily Star.
Several Clubs Eyeing Nunes
The news of Nunes’ potential availability has sent ripples through the transfer market, with multiple clubs expressing interest. In addition to Atletico Madrid, Premier League sides Liverpool, Newcastle, Everton, and West Ham are all reportedly keen to acquire the midfielder.
"The Reds are known to hold long-standing interest in Nunes having considered signing the midfielder during his Sporting CP days," claims The Daily Star.
Atletico Madrid Leading The Race
While multiple clubs are circling, Atletico Madrid appears to be frontrunners for Nunes’ signature.
"Atleti are ‘exploring the potential loan signing of Manchester City midfielder Matheus Nunes,’" reported David Ornstein of The Athletic.
Although Manchester City is yet to receive concrete bids, the possibility of a late transfer for Nunes seems increasingly likely given his limited playing time following Gundogan’s return.
A Busy End to the Transfer Window for Man City
Nunes’ potential departure is not the only major transfer saga involving Manchester City in the closing days of the window. The club has already agreed to sell Joao Cancelo to Al-Hilal, with the full details of the transfer still being negotiated.
The club’s push to offload players like Nunes and Cancelo indicates that Pep Guardiola is looking to shape the squad, making room for new additions or promoting players within the existing system. With the transfer window set to close later this month, fans are eagerly awaiting the final pieces of the puzzle as the future of Manchester City continues to take shape.
