Manchester City’s transfer business this summer marked a significant change in direction, with six members of their 2023 treble-winning side departing the Etihad Stadium.
Goalkeeper Ederson and centre-back Manuel Akanji left on deadline day, with Ilkay Gundogan set to follow to Galatasaray on Tuesday. Kevin De Bruyne, Jack Grealish and Kyle Walker also left City this summer as Pep Guardiola oversees a new era.
Gianluigi Donnarumma has been signed as Ederson’s replacement, despite concerns over his ability to play out from the back. He is likely to push another summer signing, James Trafford, down the pecking order.
Gianluigi Donnarumma of Italy arrives before Italy training session at Centro Tecnico Federale di Coverciano on September 01, 2025 in Florence, Italy.
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However, former City goalkeeper Joe Hart has dismissed those doubts and described Guardiola’s moves this summer as ‘ruthless’ in response to losing the Premier League title to Liverpool last season.
Joe Hart says Liverpool title win forced Pep Guardiola to make ruthless transfer decisions
Speaking on BBC Five Live, former Manchester City goalkeeper said Pep Guardiola has taken a ruthless approach to the summer’s transfer business, hinting that he is unprepared to wait to develop a player like James Trafford when a ‘world class’ option like Gianluigi Donnarumma was available.
Hart said: “I am a big James Trafford fan, but why would you not sign someone like Donnarumma who can win you games?
"He wants someone in there who he knows is world class."
Joe Hart shares his thoughts on Manchester City signing Gianluigi Donnarumma and James Trafford. pic.twitter.com/LCTd7hfPQC
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“I think Pep Guardiola is in such a zone right now where maybe he thought he would just keep winning the Premier League and win again last year and move out. But he is ruthless now and he wants someone in there who he knows is world class.”
Hart also joked that he ‘knows’ how Donnarumma feels, defending his ability with his feet, referring to Guardiola’s high-profile decision to axe Hart upon his arrival in 2016 for Claudio Bravo and then Ederson.
Hugo Viana drove Ederson’s Man City exit, Pep Guardiola in agreement after initial contract talks
TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey understands that the decision to allow Ederson to leave was not Pep Guardiola’s, but in fact new Sporting Director Hugo Viana’s.
Manchester City v Sporting CP: Round Of Sixteen Leg Two - UEFA Champions League
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After initial contract talks were shelved with Ederson, the decision was taken for him to depart, with Pep Guardiola then playing a key role in convincing Donnarumma to join – as reported by TBR Football on Monday.
Bailey says: “I am told that this was a Viana decision one of his first as the new Sporting Director, to either give Ederson a huge new deal or let him go, and he took that decision.
“Obviously Pep was on board with it and to be fair the player had his mind made up – so it was a City decision but Ederson was also ready to go.”
Joe Hart comments for TNT Sports the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 Quarter Final Second Leg football match between Tottenham Hotspur and FK Bodo/Glimt at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
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Pep Guardiola looks on during Manchester City's Premier League match against Wolves.
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