Manchester City Set To Receive First Significant Payment From Barcelona For Transfer

Manchester City are set to receive a lot money for some major departures this summer transfer window.

Following the exits of many younger players - such as the £15 million move for goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu to Southampton - City are generating funds.

This is set to continue on a larger scale with the sales of higher profile players like Arsenal-bound Gabriel Jesus for a rumoured £45 million - which is set to be completed in the coming days.

Raheem Sterling’s projected £45 million transfer to Chelsea has also taken significant steps forward in recent weeks.

Despite the heavy rumours with regard to even more members of the current squad, it is actually a transfer from January that is giving the Premier League champions their first big payout of the summer.

Ferran Torres joined Barcelona from City in the January after just one and a half years at the club.

The Spanish forward never truly settled at the Etihad Stadium and wished to return to his home country having initially joined the Citizens from Valencia in the summer of 2020.

Torres (22) went to the Blaugrana for an initial £46.3 million, but his contract also stated that a further £8.4 million could be paid to City if certain add-ons are met.

Despite the deal being concluded in January - and Torres making 26 appearances for Barcelona since then - City were yet to see a penny of the transfer fee due to Barcelona’s financial difficulties.

That was until now, as City have finally been paid the first set of instalments for the player, as per Reshad Rahman on Twitter.

The incoming funds have come at a useful time for the Premier League champions, as Pep Guardiola looks to bolster his squad ahead of another challenging season.

City have already added Norwegian striker, Erling Haaland to their ranks for £51 million as well as signing goalkeeper Stefan Ortega on a free transfer yesterday.

It is expected that the Etihad club will conclude a deal for Leeds United’s Kalvin Phillips in the coming days after the midfielder was pictured wearing City clothing on the day of his medical at the club.

Guardiola may not stop there, with rumours of a move for Brighton and Hove Albion’s left back Marc Cucurella still rife - meaning that every penny of incoming fees will help with City’s restructuring.

Many City fans were disappointed to see Torres depart the club last season.

The striker showed plenty of promise in Sky Blue - particularly in the UEFA Champions League - but was clearly determined to move back to La Liga.

Since his transfer, he has enjoyed mixed periods of form, but has youth on his side as we approach the new season.

City, of course, have replaced his goals across the squad - but that burden will be taken on by Erling Haaland next season.

Kevin De Bruyne was the Blues' top goalscorer last campaign, but it's likely the Norwegian will be in and around that particular list soon.