Rafael Leao has been picked as a top transfer target for Manchester City by our AI Supercomputer as Pep Guardiola looks for reinforcements following a run of poor form.
Our AI Supercomputer has looked into the possible transfer activity of Manchester City and the AC Milan superstar took the number one spot.
Leao has established himself as one of the hottest properties in Europe during his time at the San Siro and would be a major coup for the Cityzens.
The tricky winger is joined by his Portuguese teammate, Vitinha, Premier League duo Jarrad Branthwaite and Bart Verbruggen, as well as Bayern Munich midfielder, Aleksandar Pavlovic on the AI’s transfer shortlist for Manchester City.
AI Supercomputer Picks Top 5 Transfer Targets For Manchester City
- Rafael Leao (AC Milan)
- Vitinha (PSG)
- Jarrad Branthwaite (Everton)
- Bart Verburggen (Brighton)
- Aleksandar Pavlovic (Bayern Munich)
Rafael Leao
During his spell at AC Milan, the Portuguese international has contributed to 116 goals in 224 appearances – winning a Serie A title in the process.
Given the poor form of Jack Grealish, Guardiola may be looking for a new option on the left-hand side and there are not many options better than Rafael Leao.
In June 2023, the 25-year-old signed a new contract in Milan which is set to expire in the summer of 2028.
This could cause an issue for any possible suitors, as this new deal means that Leao has a release clause of €175 million (£145m).
Vitinha
Another position that may need strengthening is the central midfield area, with Rodri’s recent injury coinciding with City’s poor form.
Kevin De Bruyne has also struggled with injuries and this has caused the AI to select PSG midfielder, Vitinha, as a possible target for Guardiola.
After coming through the ranks at Porto, the Portuguese midfielder moved to Wolves on loan but his time in England was rather underwhelming.
Contributing to just two goals in 22 appearances for Wolves, Vitinha returned to Porto and showcased his ability once again by helping the Portuguese side win the double – earning a move to PSG in 2023.
Jarrad Branthwaite
The Everton defender has struggled with injury during the opening stages of the 2024/25 campaign, but was a key man for the Toffee’s in the season prior.
During the 2024 summer window, the 22-year-old was heavily linked with a move to Manchester United but the Red Devils were not willing to meet Everton’s demands.
Due to the recent injuries to Ruben Dias, John Stones and Nathan Ake, Manchester City have been forced to use academy prospect – Jahmai Simpson-Pusey.
Branthwaite would have cost over £65m during the previous transfer window, but Everton’s recent form may cause this price to drop.
Bart Verbruggen
Ederson has been an outstanding servant to Manchester City over the years, winning six Premier League titles, four Carabao Cups, two FA Cups and the Champions League.
However, the Brazilian has been linked with a move elsewhere and this could be his final season at the Etihad – leaving room for a new goalkeeper.
Bart Verbruggen has been selected to replace Ederson by the AI Supercomputer and agreeing a fee may be a simple task given Brighton’s ability to replace important players.
Aleksandar Pavlovic
Finally, the AI Supercomputer has picked Aleksandar Pavlovic as a possible option for Manchester City – after impressing in the Bundesliga.
Last season, the Bayern Munich star joined Bayer Leverkusen on loan and helped Xabi Alonso’s side win the Bundesliga for the first time.
The 20-year-old has now returned to Bavarian’s and was a regular member under Vincent Kompany before suffering a recent injury.
