Manchester City no longer treats the transfer market merely as a place to buy star players. The club is now also capable of generating huge profits from the other side of the market.

In a summer that saw sweeping changes within the squad, City embarked on a major sell-off of a number of their players and succeeded in turning departures into huge financial returns in one of the most exciting transfer windows in the club’s history.

According to Transfermarkt figures, reported by the BBC, Manchester City had raised €278.6 million (£239m) from player sales as of 26 August, placing them second among Premier League clubs in terms of transfer revenue during a single window. Aston Villa reached €293.1 million (£251m).

It is worth noting that this figure was reached even though the transfer window had not yet closed, meaning that Manchester City has a real chance to continue edging closer to the historic record held by Monaco, which raised €360 million during the 2018–2019 window.

Manchester City grab Sávio in deal that broke the bank

The transfer of Brazilian player Sávio Moreira de Oliveirato Tottenham was the standout turning point in Manchester City’s financial race this summer.

Tottenham paid £75 million for the player, with the deal potentially rising to £85 million through add-ons, in a transfer that has become the biggest sale in City’s history, according to media reports.

Ironically, Manchester City had signed Sávio from City Football Group for about £30.8 million, before reselling him shortly afterwards for a much higher fee. This makes the player one of the most lucrative deals in the current transfer market.

Sávio was not the only case; the list included big names such as Rodri, Tijani Reinders and James Trafford, which saw Manchester City’s transfer proceeds soar to unprecedented levels for the club in a single transfer window. According to published estimates, revenue exceeded €300 million when add-ons were taken into account.

From buying stars to making money

The figures reveal something far more significant than just successful sales.

Manchester City is entering a new era following Pep Guardiola’s departure and Enzo Maresca’s takeover, with major changes to the squad. It appears the club is rebuilding its squad without sacrificing its ability to generate substantial financial returns from departing players.

Crucially, this policy did not begin this summer.

Manchester City’s annual report noted that former sporting director, Txiki Begiristain, oversaw more than £1 billion in player sales during his tenure, which is a clear indication that generating value from the transfer market has become a fundamental part of the club’s business model.

In the summer of 2026, this model reached a new level. City is selling their players for huge sums while at the same time, reinvesting the money in its new project.

The club, for its part, has spent heavily, most notably on signing Elliott Anderson for about £116 million, alongside the deal for Ayyoub Bouaddi, which totalled about £86 million.

With just a few days remaining before the transfer window closes, the question is no longer whether Manchester City will exceed the €300 million mark in transfer proceeds, but rather, can the club break Monaco’s historic record and achieve the highest total from player sales in a single transfer window?

Featured image via mancity.com

By Alaa Shamali

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