Maresca says Manchester City not close to new signings but highlights experience gap

Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca told reporters in Seoul that the club is "not close to any new signings as of now," emphasizing that the transfer window remains open but the squad does not urgently require additional players. The statement comes after the record £116 million acquisition of England midfielder Elliot Anderson, which marked the club’s first major signing under Maresca since taking over from Pep Guardiola in June.

Maresca stressed that the current roster "doesn't need to do many things" but acknowledged the loss of key experienced figures such as Bernardo Silva, John Stones and Nathan Ake. "The club lost important players in terms of experience like Bernardo, John, Nathan – different players. So for sure there are things that we need to do," he said, underlining that depth alone cannot replace the leadership those players provided.

The manager’s comments suggest that while the core of the team – built around Rodri, Erling Haaland and Anderson – remains strong, specific areas still require attention. The winger position, in particular, is highlighted as a priority, with Tottenham reportedly interested in Savinho and negotiations ongoing for Lille prospect Ayyoub Bouaddi.

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Maresca also confirmed that City remain in "active discussions" with director of football Hugo Viana about potential targets, but he stopped short of naming any imminent deals. "The reason why I said there are things to do is because the transfer window is open and when it’s open, anything can happen," he explained, leaving the door open for late‑summer activity.

With the Premier League season set to kick off against Bournemouth on 23 August, the club appears intent on addressing any remaining gaps before competitive matches resume. The manager’s measured tone indicates a preference for strategic patience rather than a rushed scramble for signings.

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Overall, Maresca’s assessment paints a picture of a squad that is largely assembled but still missing the seasoned experience lost over the summer. The flexibility of the current window, combined with ongoing scouting, means City could still make calculated moves before the September deadline.