Manchester City seek youth right-back to bolster Nunes amid Maresca transition
With Matheus Nunes confirmed as the first-choice option, Manchester City’s recruitment strategy focuses on acquiring a specialised young defender to replicate the success of players like Nico O’Reilly.
Manchester City have initiated a targeted search for a young, specialist right-back to provide depth and competition for Matheus Nunes, who remains the club’s primary option in the position. The recruitment drive is being led by incoming manager Enzo Maresca, who is working alongside Sporting Director Hugo Viana to audit the first-team squad. This approach underscores a strategic priority for squad depth rather than a major overhaul as the club transitions leadership.
Nunes’ adaptation to the right-back role over the past 12 months has been described as a masterstroke of the Pep Guardiola era, offering the team physical dynamism and tactical control. Despite this success, the incoming management team has identified the need to supplement the Portuguese international. The club is seeking a youthful prospect who is a natural in the position and capable of developing within the system, aiming to replicate the developmental pathways established by players such as Nico O’Reilly.
This recruitment philosophy is designed to avoid paying premium fees for established European stars. By focusing on a younger profile, Manchester City aims to inject competitive hunger into the dressing room while ensuring long-term value. The strategy also reflects the broader planning required for the transition of legacy assets, specifically Bernardo Silva and John Stones, as the club moves beyond Guardiola’s tenure.
Maresca is expected to join the club on a three-year contract, though the exact timeline of the signing remains unconfirmed. Reports indicate that Chelsea and Manchester City have been in talks regarding the appointment. The incoming manager has already begun collaborating with Viana to shape his blueprint at the Etihad Stadium, ensuring that the squad is fortified in specific positions ahead of the new campaign.
The club recently concluded its season by winning the FA Cup and Carabao Cup double. Maresca aims to finalise the squad before the team jets off for pre-season in Far-East Asia. However, the scheduling of the FIFA World Cup in North America presents a potential logistical challenge regarding player availability during these preparations.
