Erling Haaland's Snapchat quip to a departing teammate capped a week where Manchester City broke the Premier League's summer spending record with a £458m squad overhaul. The club, which sits top of the league with six points from two games, saw Enzo Fernandez join for a British record-equalling fee and Irish midfielder Aoibhe Brennan sign for the women's side.
Erling Haaland bid farewell to teammate Omar Marmoush this week with a characteristically light-hearted warning. In a viral video, the striker wished the Egyptian forward well before joking, "You better not ghost me on Snapchat." Marmoush is joining Tottenham Hotspur on a season-long loan with a £60 million obligation to buy after struggling for consistent minutes at the Etihad.
The 25-year-old, who arrived in January 2025, scored eight goals last season as City won both domestic cups. He expressed excitement about his move to Spurs, saying the project was "very attractive" after conversations with the head coach. City's perfect league start, with six goals scored and two conceded, provides a strong backdrop to this squad change.
Manchester City's summer transfer business reached a Premier League record £458 million. New manager Enzo Maresca was backed heavily by director of football Hugo Viana, breaking the club's transfer record twice. The bulk of the spending went on midfielders Enzo Fernandez (£125m from Chelsea), Elliot Anderson (£116m from Nottingham Forest), and 18-year-old Ayyoub Bouaddi (£86m).
This massive investment completely transforms a midfield that lost Bernardo Silva, Rodri, Tijjani Reijnders, and Nico Gonzalez. Senior club sources are said to be delighted with the business, believing the squad is stronger now than at the start of last season. The rebuild, which began in earnest in January 2025, means only four players remain from the 2023 Champions League-winning squad. Maresca now has two established options in almost every position.
Enzo Fernandez stated he "didn't hesitate for a second" when Manchester City made their move. The Argentina midfielder completed his £125 million deadline-day switch from Chelsea, matching the British transfer record. Fernandez, 25, said he had "always dreamed of being at a club as big as City" and called it a "huge challenge."
He highlighted the club's recent success and history-making status as key factors. Fernandez also welcomed the chance to reunite with Maresca, who coached him at Chelsea. "He is a top manager," Fernandez said. "I learnt so much with him. He's very passionate. So, for me, it's a pleasure to work with him." His arrival comes as City manage absences, with Jérémy Doku and Matheus Nunes currently sidelined, details available on our injuries page.
Despite the record fee, some analysts question Enzo Fernandez's temperament. Richard Jolly notes the midfielder can appear "petulant, selfish and undisciplined," pointing to his red card in Argentina's World Cup final defeat to Spain in July. Some have suggested City may have ignored these red flags, acquiring a player who presents tactical and financial questions.
Fernandez's capacity for decisive moments is undeniable, however. He scored a 94th-minute equaliser for Chelsea against City in January and netted 15 goals for a mid-table side last season. His eye for goal could see him fill a creative void, but integrating him and Anderson into a cohesive £241m midfield partnership is Maresca's immediate task. The manager's selection choices are compounded by the need to find consistent cover for Erling Haaland, a gap not addressed in the window.
Manchester City Women confirmed the signing of Irish midfielder Aoibhe Brennan from Bohemians. The 18-year-old, nominated for the PFA Ireland Women’s Young Player of the Year award last season, has signed a professional contract. Brennan made 72 appearances for Bohs after joining from Shelbourne, scoring eight goals.
"This is a really special moment for me and a really good opportunity that I hope I take with both hands," Brennan said. "Every girl dreams about becoming a professional footballer and I am delighted I have got that opportunity." Her form for Bohemians earned a first senior call-up to the Ireland women's national team.
