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.