Manchester City never addressed their right-back issue during the summer transfer window.
Heading into the summer months, Pep Guardiola was keen to add to both full-back areas in his team, with Rayan Ait-Nouri brought to Man City to play at left-back; however, Hugo Viana could not secure a deal for the other side.
It was reported during the window that the Man City Director of Football was having a tough time in his search for a new right-back, but many fans of the Manchester club were hopeful that things would work out.
That new defender never arrived, and it has now been revealed what Man City were doing during the final days of the transfer window to address this issue.
Hugo Viana at a Manchester City game.
Photo by Jan Kruger – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
Man City stopped looking for a right-back in the final days of the transfer window
Man City entered the 2025/26 campaign with Matheus Nunes and Rico Lewis as their right-backs for the season, and with Guardiola harbouring hopes of winning the Premier League this season, those options are not good enough to achieve this goal.
Micah Richards had concerns about Nunes at right-back heading into the season, and Sunday’s game against Brighton showed why, as the Portuguese star struggled.
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Many City fans might have thought the club would have a look for a player to address this issue on deadline day; however, Manchester Evening News reports that the Premier League giants stopped looking for a right-back during the final days of the transfer window.
Tino Livramento was Man City’s top target for the role, but Newcastle made it clear that the Englishman was going nowhere this summer, as Eddie Howe did not want to lose key players with the Magpies competing in the Champions League.
Man City also had an interest in Wesley, but Roma would beat the Premier League giants to the signing of the Brazilian full-back.
This could be a costly decision, and if things are not going to plan for Guardiola during the first half of the season, fans can expect a right-back to be added in January.
Right-backs Man City should target in future transfer windows
If Man City can wait until next summer, then the Manchester club should attempt to sign Livramento again, as the Newcastle star is perfect for Guardiola, given that he can play in both full-back positions.
If the Magpies still refuse to sell the 22-year-old, then Tottenham’s Pedro Porro could be an option for Man City, as the Spaniard is a player the Manchester club have always kept an eye on, having let the 25-year-old leave in 2022.
When it comes to January, signing a player mid-season is always difficult, but someone like Monaco’s Vanderson could be an option, seeing as the Brazilian is a well-balanced right-back.
It remains to be seen how Man City address their right-back issue in the future, but it seems negligent that the club’s hierarchy did not even attempt to address the problem during the final days of the transfer window.