Manchester City Poised to Complete Second Summer Signing as Pep Guardiola Swoops in for New Striker Weeks After Leaving Premier League Rivals
Manchester City Poised to Complete Second Summer Signing as Pep Guardiola Swoops in for New Striker Weeks After Leaving Premier League Rivals
Manchester City is set to finalize their second major signing of the summer transfer window, as manager Pep Guardiola moves swiftly to secure a top striker just weeks after the player departed from a Premier League rival. The club is in advanced talks to bring in Ivan Toney, the former Brentford star, who is poised to make a sensational return to the Premier League with the reigning champions.
Pep Guardiola, known for his strategic acumen and ability to spot talent, has been on the lookout for a new striker following the departure of Riyad Mahrez to Al-Ahli. Toney, who left Brentford earlier this summer after a highly successful stint, has emerged as Guardiola’s top target to bolster City’s attacking options.
Ivan Toney was a standout performer for Brentford, scoring 20 goals in 33 appearances last season. His physical presence, clinical finishing, and ability to hold up the ball made him one of the most feared strikers in the league. Guardiola believes that Toney’s attributes perfectly complement Manchester City’s style of play and will add another dimension to their already potent attack.
“Ivan Toney is a player I’ve admired for some time,” Guardiola said in a recent interview. “His ability to score goals, his movement off the ball, and his work rate are all qualities that we value highly at Manchester City. I believe he can make a big impact here and help us achieve our goals for the upcoming season.”
Ivan Toney, 28, began his career at Northampton Town before making his name at Peterborough United, where he scored 49 goals in 94 appearances. His impressive performances earned him a move to Brentford in 2020, where he continued to excel, helping the club secure promotion to the Premier League in his first season.
Toney’s debut Premier League season was nothing short of remarkable. He finished as the league’s third-highest scorer, earning widespread praise for his consistency and ability to perform in high-pressure situations. His performances also earned him a call-up to the England national team, where he has since become a regular under Gareth Southgate.
Despite leaving Brentford earlier this summer, Toney has remained in peak physical condition and is eager to return to the Premier League. His move to Manchester City represents a significant step forward in his career, and he is expected to play a key role in the club’s quest for domestic and European glory.
The deal to bring Toney to the Etihad Stadium is reportedly worth around £55 million, with Brentford also set to receive additional performance-related bonuses. Toney is expected to sign a five-year contract with Manchester City, which will see him earn a substantial increase in wages compared to his previous deal at Brentford.
City’s decision to move for Toney comes after they missed out on several high-profile targets earlier in the window. The club had been linked with moves for Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus and Victor Osimhen of Napoli, but both deals proved to be too costly. Toney, however, represents a more affordable option while still offering the quality and experience needed to succeed at the highest level.
The signing of Toney also signals City’s intent to maintain their dominance in the Premier League. Having already secured the services of Josko Gvardiol from RB Leipzig earlier in the window, the addition of Toney strengthens Guardiola’s squad even further.
Ivan Toney’s arrival at Manchester City is expected to provide Guardiola with more tactical flexibility. His ability to play as a lone striker or in a two-man partnership makes him a valuable asset in Guardiola’s system. Toney’s strength and aerial ability will also give City a new dimension in attack, particularly in games where breaking down stubborn defenses is key.
Toney is known for his excellent penalty-taking ability, having scored 11 penalties in the Premier League last season, a record that puts him among the league’s best. This quality could prove invaluable to Manchester City, especially in tightly contested matches where set-piece proficiency often makes the difference.
Moreover, Toney’s work ethic and leadership qualities have been praised by former teammates and coaches alike. His experience in leading the line for Brentford will be crucial as he adapts to the demands of playing for a club of Manchester City’s stature.
Manchester City is expected to announce the signing of Ivan Toney in the coming days, pending a successful medical examination and finalization of personal terms. The club’s supporters will no doubt be excited by the prospect of seeing Toney in action at the Etihad Stadium, where he will join a star-studded lineup featuring the likes of Erling Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne, and Phil Foden.
As the new Premier League season approaches, the addition of Toney will give City a significant boost as they aim to defend their domestic titles and challenge for the UEFA Champions League once again.
