Manchester City Confirm Exit of £9m Forgotten Man as Summer Business Picks Up for Pep Guardiola’s Side

Kayky Departs Manchester City in Permanent Deal to Bahia

It’s official: Manchester City have confirmed the permanent departure of Brazilian winger Kayky to Bahia, bringing an end to a chapter that never quite took off at the Etihad. Signed in 2021 for a reported £9 million ($12 million) from Fluminense, the highly touted teenager once dubbed the “left-footed Neymar” has now returned to Brazil after struggling to break into Pep Guardiola’s plans.

Kayky’s story at Manchester City is a familiar one — promise, hope, a smattering of appearances, and then a quiet exit. His journey reflects both the ruthless efficiency of modern football and the sheer depth of talent at a club like Manchester City, where only the very best survive.

What Happened? Kayky’s Fade From the Etihad

When Kayky arrived in Manchester at the age of 18, Manchester City fans were excited. The winger had lit up the Brazilian top flight with Fluminense, showcasing flair, technique, and composure well beyond his years. The expectation was that he would be nurtured under the club’s elite coaching staff, perhaps following a similar path to Gabriel Jesus.

Instead, his first-team involvement at Manchester City was minimal. He managed just a single Premier League appearance and featured primarily for the club’s Elite Development Squad. He did have some bright moments there, including helping the U23s secure the Premier League 2 title. But a senior breakthrough never came.

Loan spells followed — to Portugal’s Pacos de Ferreira, then the Eredivisie with Sparta Rotterdam, and finally a return to Brazil with Bahia. These stints were largely uneventful. A devastating ACL injury in early 2023 further interrupted his development and all but ended any realistic chance of establishing himself in Pep Guardiola’s star-studded squad.

The Bigger Picture: Manchester City’s Summer Overhaul Begins

ENFIELD, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 04: Kayky of Manchester City during the Premier League 2 match between Tottenham Hotspur U23 and Manchester City U23 at Tottenham Hotspur Training Centre on December 04, 2021 in Enfield, England. (Photo by Stephen Pond/Getty Images)

Kayky’s exit is the first real sign of movement from the blue half of Manchester in what promises to be a pivotal summer. Manchester City endured a frustrating 2024–25 season by their standards, missing out on both the Premier League and Champions League, leading to whispers of the need for significant changes.

Trimming the squad is a logical starting point. Players like Kayky — once viewed as projects for the future — are no longer part of the long-term vision. The club has moved quickly, confirming his permanent transfer to Bahia, a team within the Manchester City Football Group network. The deal, while undisclosed in value, is more about turning the page than recouping funds.

City are also expected to listen to offers for several more senior players, including Kalvin Phillips, Jack Grealish, and Kyle Walker. With Financial Fair Play compliance always looming in the background, strategic exits are as important as marquee signings.

Did You Know? Kayky Was Once Among Brazil’s Brightest Talents

Back in 2020, Kayky was the talk of Rio de Janeiro. As a teenager, he dazzled for Fluminense with a blend of dribbling, vision, and finishing that caught the eye of scouts across Europe. Manchester City beat off competition from a host of clubs to sign him early.

He even drew stylistic comparisons to Neymar, not just for his Brazilian flair but also for his body shape, movement, and ability to cut inside and create something from nothing. Yet, like many young South Americans before him, the adaptation to European football proved a steep learning curve.

His early months in Manchester showed flashes of what could have been. A few goals for the U23s, strong performances in youth tournaments, and a highly anticipated debut in the FA Cup sparked excitement. But those moments weren’t enough to break into a team that includes the likes of Phil Foden, Bernardo Silva, and Jack Grealish.

What’s Next for Manchester City?

For Manchester City, Kayky’s exit is just one move in a broader puzzle. Pep Guardiola is entering what could be one of his most transitional summers yet. With Ilkay Gündogan gone the previous year, and questions over Grealish’s consistency, there is expected to be heavy recruitment — particularly in midfield and defence.

Reports suggest Manchester City are closely monitoring several young talents, including Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz and Benfica’s Antonio Silva. At the same time, Pep Guardiola will need to balance squad evolution with maintaining the standards that have made his side one of the most dominant in Premier League history.

On the outgoing side, Kalvin Phillips could be headed for a fresh start, possibly in Italy or back to West Ham. Kyle Walker is attracting attention from the Saudi Pro League, while Grealish — a £100m signing who has yet to fully convince — remains a player whose future is not guaranteed.

A Fresh Start for Kayky in Familiar Territory

As for Kayky, the move to Bahia might just be the reset he needs. Still only 22, he has time on his side. Returning to his home country, surrounded by familiar culture and playing under less scrutiny, could offer the environment needed to rediscover his rhythm. Bahia will certainly be hoping so, as they aim to rise in the Brazilian domestic scene with a sprinkle of European flair.

With the deal complete, Kayky leaves Manchester with mixed memories — and likely some lessons learned. Not every signing works out. Not every story has a fairy-tale ending. But in modern football, closure and clarity are often the best next steps.

And for Manchester City, the summer rebuild has only just begun.