Man City can end transfer market in profit for second year running after Mahrez and Borges deals

In the eyes of Manchester City's critics, the Blues always have and always will get their blank checkbook out in the transfer market, in order to keep up their squad with two world-class XIs available at any time. Or something like that.

While City have undoubtedly spent money, the reality - especially in recent seasons - is the opposite of the lazy stereotypes thrown against their name. The Blues made a profit in the transfer market last summer, and could potentially do so again this year, underlining the importance of the academy and transfer department.

Mateo Kovacic is the sole arrival this summer so far, with Josko Gvardiol a target to bolster the defence. Ilkay Gundogan has left on a free transfer, under-21 captain Shea Charles has joined Southampton, while Riyad Mahrez, James Trafford and Carlos Borges look set to follow them out of the Etihad door.

ALSO READ: West Ham working on deal to sign City prospect Carlos Borges

As it stands, City have bought Kovacic for £25m (rising to £30m with add-ons), and sold Charles for £10.5m (rising to £15m). Trafford will take the incoming total up by another £15m (potentially rising to £19m). Pedro Porro's permanent switch to Tottenham also earns City around £10m in a sell-on fee from the deal that saw Porro join Sporting, meaning City have raised £35.5m so far, with another £8.5m potentially arriving on top of that.

Mahrez has not travelled on the pre-season tour in order to finalise a move to Al Ahli, which will see City receive up to £30m, while it emerged on Thursday that 29-goal under-21 forward Carlos Borges could potentially leave, with West Ham working on a £14m transfer. Should Mahrez and Borges leave (and Trafford's move to Burnley be confirmed), City will have