What Manchester City really think of Hugo Viana’s first transfer window as sporting director

A new report has offered an insider look at the feeling surrounding Hugo Viana’s first summer transfer window as Manchester City’s sporting director.

The former Newcastle United midfielder arrived at the Etihad Stadium earlier this year to take over from long-serving executive Txiki Begiristain, who stepped away following over a decade of historic success.

Hugo Viana’s appointment came after a carefully structured transition period, and one that ensured continuity within Manchester City’s transfer operations and overall sporting philosophy.

Having spent several successful years in the same role at Portuguese giants Sporting CP, Viana entered the City hierarchy with a reputation for strategic precision and strong communication with colleagues, balancing that with an awareness for shrewd, high-quality business.

Early indications from within the Etihad Stadium suggest that the 42-year-old has settled seamlessly into life in Manchester, helping to maintain the club’s meticulous recruitment standards while implementing his own touches of efficiency and adaptability.

The 2025 summer transfer window presented Viana with an immediate test of his decisiveness and ability to balance multiple priorities, as City faced uncertainty around senior players such as Ederson, Ilkay Gündoğan, and Jack Grealish, while also integrating key new signings.

But despite the obvious challenges, the operation was conducted in typically Manchester City fashion – measured, quiet, and targeted – signalling that the club’s recruitment identity remains strong.

As per a wide-ranging report from MailSport’s Jack Gaughan, City staff say Hugo Viana has fitted in well to the club having succeeded Txiki Begiristain in the role of sporting director off the back of a lengthy handover period.

It is explained that there is a feeling that Viana was ‘decisive’ in the summer transfer window, shifting quickly between targets, with the move away from Morgan Gibbs-White to Rayan Cherki identified as an example when the latter became available for £31 million.

The report further explains how Viana has followed Begiristain’s lead in terms of ‘keeping things within a tight circle’.

Looking ahead, City are expected to continue building on foundations laid during Hugo Viana’s opening months. The January window could provide an opportunity for the director to further stamp his authority, particularly in areas identified for refreshment such as full-back.

Internally, there is seemingly a growing confidence that Hugo Viana’s approach will ensure a smooth continuation of Manchester City’s dominance in both domestic and European football.

And while replacing a figure as influential as Txiki Begiristain is no easy feat, early impressions suggest that the Etihad Stadium hierarchy believe they have chosen the ideal successor to lead the club’s next era.