Hugo Viana has turned Man City transfer blow into £143m victory

Simon Bajkowski writes that Manchester City sporting director Hugo Viana successfully navigated missing out on top target Florian Wirtz to Liverpool by orchestrating shrewd transfer business. Rather than securing Wirtz, Manchester City pivoted to acquire Rayan Cherki from Lyon for £26m alongside Elliot Anderson, both of whom featured prominently in a recent fixture at Anfield.

According to Bajkowski, Cherki and Anderson have vastly outperformed expectations compared to Wirtz. Cherki has recorded 22 goals and assists in 39 Premier League games, while Anderson dominated midfield against Liverpool, demonstrating how Manchester City secured more impactful talent despite initial transfer setbacks.