BLUES WILL FIGHT TO KEEP PLAYERS

TWO of the biggest deals City did in the transfer window were retentions.

- SIMON BAJKOWSKI

And not only were the club able to hold on to Bernardo Silva (again) and Kyle Walker, they also managed to get both players to extend their contracts at the Etihad; both players have agreed to sign on until 2026 in moves that either give City three more years of service or protect valuations.

In doing so, the quiet part of a key pillar of City's transfer strategy has been shouted out loud.

Everybody knows that Pep Guardiola does not want unhappy players in his squad and if a player wants to leave they can leave, but that does not mean that the Blues book the taxis for the players and wave them off.