Manchester City Transfer News: What of Delph, Zinchenko and Díaz?

As Europe’s Summer 2018 Transfer Window shuts at the end of this week, the continent will surely see some last-minute transfer activity in August.

Several European clubs have enquired about some of City’s players, and albeit the transfer window closed in England earlier this month, there is still a possibility that a few athletes will depart from the Mancunian club.

According to recent reports, Turkish club Beşiktaş made an offer for Fabian Delph, where they wish to acquire him on a season-long loan. The Englishman has yet to make an appearance for Manchester City this season, as he is still faced with fatigue from this summer’s FIFA World Cup competition.

On one hand, the loan move would make sense, as the 28-year-old would find himself on the lower-end of the pecking order in midfield. Moreover, he has had a history of injuries which have plagued periods of his career.

On the other hand, his adaptability at left back proved to be crucial last season, as he filled in for Benjamin Mendy for a large portion of the 2017/18 English Premier League season. Amazon Prime’s docuseries “All or Nothing: Manchester City” also revealed that Delph is a major player in City’s dressing room, and it is doubtful they would want to depart with one of their leaders. Therefore, it is unlikely the Englishman will leave at the end of this summer’s transfer window.

Some of City’s younger players may not be as lucky.

Oleksandr Zinchenko was linked with Wolverhampton Wanderers earlier this summer for a reported £16 million. The deal fell through, however, as the Ukrainian reportedly wanted to fight for his place at City.

According to recent rumours, however, it seems the midfielder-turned-left-back may be reconsidering his future. Spanish club Real Betis have enquired about the young Ukrainian, where they originally proposed a loan-spell. City blocked the offer, stating they are only willing to sell the player. Now, as deadline day approaches Europe, the Spanish club are preparing to offer £15 million.

Albeit his time was limited last season, Zinchenko has impressed with his time in Manchester. City’s depth is too great, however, and it is unlikely he will be able to overthrow the likes of Leroy Sané or Bernardo Silva in midfield, never mind Mendy or Delph in his unfavorable left back position. Unfortunately, unless another bizarre incident were to occur, it seems the Ukrainian will depart from the club.

Finally, Brahim Díaz continues to stall his contract talks with Manchester City, as both parties have been unable to reach an agreement over the past month. As the negotiations stall, the Spaniard may wish to consider other options, as he often fell behind Zinchenko and Phil Foden.

Given the status of events at the club, it would not be surprising if Díaz also departed for another destination. German club Borussia Dortmund have reportedly shown interest in the player, as have Spanish club Girona FC. The final decision, however, remains to be seen.

With only a few days remaining, will City see any final activity in the European transfer window?

Note: Eliaquim Mangala continues to hold a knee injury and will not be available until September 2018. Given the status of his injury, it is unlikely he will be loaned or sold to another club before the close of this transfer window. A departure in January 2019 could be likely.