Manchester City failed to land Spain pair in scramble for Miedema cover
Manchester City failed to sign either of two targeted Spanish midfielders on Women's Super League deadline day, leaving them without the attacking reinforcements they had sought after learning that playmaker Vivianne Miedema could be sidelined for the rest of 2026 with a knee injury. Atlético Madrid rejected a City bid of more than £500,000 for 22-year-old Fiamma Benítez, regarding her as a key player and future Spain international, while Everton turned down roughly £400,000 for Ornella Vignola, citing insufficient time to replace her and her importance to the team. City were also reportedly rebuffed in an approach for Paris Saint-Germain's Jennifer Echegini.
City's only deadline-day signing was England goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse, brought in on loan from Orlando Pride until the end of January to bolster goalkeeping depth following Khiara Keating's move to Liverpool. Despite the failed midfield pursuit, City's summer was otherwise deemed successful, headlined by retaining Golden Boot winner Khadija Shaw on a new contract; the club begin their title defence against promoted Birmingham City on Sunday, ahead of Friday's Women's Champions League league-phase draw.
In short
- Man City failed to sign Fiamma Benítez and Ornella Vignola on deadline day.
- Both moves were sought as cover for injured Vivianne Miedema.
- City's only deal was loaning in goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Manchester City had a strong sporting reason to pursue attacking cover: Miedema’s injury could leave a major gap, and reinforcements would help protect the club’s title defence and European campaign. A substantial bid for Benítez and attempts to recruit other midfielders can be seen as responsible squad planning, while the failed deals show the limits of what City could secure before the deadline.
The case against
Atlético Madrid and Everton had legitimate reasons to keep players they regard as important, especially when replacements could not be found in time. Their decisions reflect a duty to protect their own squads and season ambitions, and a large offer need not outweigh the sporting cost of losing a key player.
Explained simply
Manchester City are one of the leading clubs in the Women’s Super League, England’s top flight. Their squad includes Vivianne Miedema, a Netherlands international who plays as an attacking midfielder and forward; an injury to her could leave City short of players who create chances and score goals.
Fiamma Benítez plays for Atlético Madrid in Spain, while Ornella Vignola is an Everton midfielder. Both clubs chose to keep players they considered important, and City’s pursuit shows how teams try to strengthen their squads while transfer deals are still possible.
The issue matters as City defend their league title and compete in European matches, where a squad needs enough options to cover injuries. Their summer recruitment also included keeping striker Khadija Shaw, last season’s league top scorer.