Manchester City in pole position for defender who’s expected to cost over €35m

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Manchester City have lacked options at full-back this season, but defensive reinforcements are expected to be a priority this summer.

We are entering a new era at the Etihad Stadium, with Enzo Maresca joining to replace Pep Guardiola.

But transfer priorities look set to remain the same, no matter who is in charge, with young right-back Givairo Read said to be a leading target for the Sky Blues.

Feyenoord eye record transfer fee for Man City target Givairo Read

The 19-year-old joined Feyenoord’s youth ranks in 2023 and has now become a regular starter in their senior side over the last two seasons.

He is currently suffering from a long-term injury, which has limited him to 20 appearances in the 2025/26 campaign.

But that is not expected to hamper his ability to secure a transfer in the summer, with Man City now thought to be in ‘pole position’ for his signature.

Dutch outlet 1908 have shared an update on Read’s future this week, and all signs are pointing towards a Man City move.

The Manchester outfit lack depth in both full-back positions currently, and have ‘settled on Read’ to provide that cover moving forward.

The player, for his part, is said to be ‘impressed by City’s approach’, while Feyenoord could be open to a sale for the right price.

Should he move, the Dutch outfit are aiming to recoup a club-record transfer fee, which is currently held by Igor Paixao, who joined Marseille for €35m.

Givairo Read has spoken about a possible transfer

Read is under contract in the Netherlands until 2029, but he has suggested in a recent interview that he could have played his last home game for Feyenoord.

Speaking after a draw with AZ Alkmaar, he said: “I certainly realised that [it might be his last game for Feyenoord].

“It is no longer a secret that clubs are watching me and that a move might be coming up in the summer. I don’t want to keep that a secret either.

“But I haven’t made a choice yet, so I’m still under contract with Feyenoord. It could very well have been my last home match, but I don’t want to say that too soon.”

In total, Read has scored five and assisted 11 in 54 matches for Feyenoord, primarily at right-back but occasionally off the left as well.