When it comes to transfers and contract negotiations, Manchester City have principles from which they very rarely stray.
Generally speaking, City won't offer above their valuation of a potential signing — see Harry Maguire, Jorginho and Frenkie de Jong — while players who want to leave are free to do so, provided they attract a suitable offer.
Sticking to guidelines like these ensures that City are responsible with their spending and don't waste resources, while also keeping a healthy dressing room environment for Pep Guardiola and his players to work with. However, there is one general rule that City have recently broken — and for good reason.
