Kingsley Coman 2024

Manchester City to launch Kingsley Coman loan bid?! Pep Guardiola considers approach to sign Frenchman as Bayern aim to trim wage bill

WHAT HAPPENED?

According to Bild, Manchester City have been keeping tabs on Coman for some time. Now could be the moment they move, with a potential loan offer and option to buy. But key for Bayern Munich is not having to continue paying the Frenchman’s €20 million (£17.1m/$21.8m) salary. There are no concrete talks taking place at this stage and it remains to be seen how much of Coman’s wages City would actually be willing to cover.

Julian-Alvarez

THE BIGGER PICTURE

City are in the process of losing Julian Alvarez, which is a substantial hit for their squad given that the Argentine forward was often the first player drafted in to cover for Erling Haaland or Kevin De Bruyne. Coman isn’t a like for like replacement but offers proven quality at the highest level and may be an opportune target. Having spent considerably already this summer, Bayern have openly stated it will now be necessary to get rid of players before they can sign any more.

WHAT BAYERN MUNICH SAID

Bayern honarary president Uli Hoeness has said on the general situation: “There is a resolution from the supervisory board that says: We have spent €125m (£107m/$136.5m), and if new players come after that, we must first sell. I communicated that. And it is not my final word, but of the supervisory board as a whole.”

DID YOU KNOW?

Coman in’t the only Bayern player being linked with an exit to cut wage costs. Defensive pair Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui are both heavily linked with Manchester United and could free up the space and capital to pursue Jonathan Tah.

Pep Guardiola Man City 2023Getty

WHAT NEXT FOR MAN CITY?

Manchester City begin 2024-25 looking to extend their record dominance, with an unprecedented potential fifth successive Premier League title at stake. They will also seek to get back on top in the Champions League after a disappointing quarter-final exit last season. But it all begins with Saturday’s Community Shield against local rivals Manchester United at Wembley in a repeat of May’s FA Cup final.