Manchester City fans have made their feelings abundantly clear after reports emerged that the club is not interested in signing Chelsea winger Pedro Neto this summer.
The reaction from supporters on X was striking. Rather than expressing disappointment at missing out on a player who has established himself as an important attacking option for Chelsea, many City fans appeared delighted by the news.
Several supporters responded with messages such as “Thank god”, while another declared: “IM ALIVEEEEEE.”
The reaction suggests that a significant section of the Manchester City fanbase does not see Neto as the right addition to the squad.
Instead, supporters are already looking towards other possibilities.
One name in particular stood out from the reactions, with a fan calling for Manchester City to “sign Ibrahim Maza.”
That response received considerably more engagement than many of the other comments, highlighting the appetite among supporters for the club to consider alternative attacking options.
Man City fans celebrate Pedro Neto decision
The clearest theme from the reaction was relief.
One supporter simply wrote “Thank god”, while another used the same words with capital letters for emphasis.
Those reactions are difficult to misinterpret.
For these supporters, Manchester City’s reported lack of interest in Pedro Neto is not bad news. It is something to celebrate.
Another fan wrote “IM ALIVEEEEEE”, adding a humorous touch to what was otherwise a very clear expression of relief.
The comments suggest that Neto’s reputation among this section of the City fanbase is not strong enough to make them want the club to spend heavily on him.
That is particularly noteworthy given Neto’s experience in English football.
The Chelsea winger has already played in the Premier League and possesses pace, directness and versatility. Yet supporters responding to the City Xtra post appear unconvinced that he is the answer to Manchester City’s attacking needs.
For many, the priority seems to be finding a different profile.
Supporters quickly suggest Ibrahim Maza
Perhaps the most revealing response came from a fan who wrote:
“sign ibrahim maza”
The comment attracted 220 engagements in the material provided, making it one of the most prominent reactions.
That tells us something about the direction of the conversation.
Instead of worrying about Manchester City missing out on Neto, some supporters immediately started discussing who the club should sign instead.
Maza has been mentioned by City supporters as a potential alternative, and his name clearly has some appeal among the fanbase.
The reaction also demonstrates how quickly transfer discussions can change on social media.
One update can close the door on one player, while simultaneously opening a conversation about another.
For City supporters, the reported decision on Neto appears to have done exactly that.
‘Etihad intel’ earns praise from supporters
Another interesting element of the reaction was the praise directed towards Etihad Intel.
One supporter responded:
“Etihad intel”
Another wrote:
“I LOVE YOU”, directly tagging the account.
A further supporter called Etihad Intel “GOAT.”
These comments show that transfer information has become a major part of the online Manchester City fan experience.
Supporters are not simply interested in the names being linked with the club. They are also paying close attention to the accounts providing updates.
When a report confirms something fans want to hear, the reaction can be immediate and enthusiastic.
That appears to be what happened here.
The lack of interest in Neto was welcomed by several fans, and the account sharing the information received praise as a result.
Why don’t City fans want Pedro Neto?
The reaction raises an important question.
Why are some Manchester City supporters so happy that the club is reportedly not interested in Pedro Neto?
The answer is not necessarily that fans believe Neto is a poor footballer.
Instead, it could come down to the type of signing supporters believe Manchester City need.
City’s attacking department has gone through significant changes in recent seasons. The club needs players who can provide creativity, goals and consistency, while also fitting into the tactical demands of the new era under Enzo Maresca.
Neto undoubtedly has qualities that could appeal to a top Premier League side.
However, the reaction indicates that some City supporters would rather see the club use its resources elsewhere.
There is also the question of expectations.
Manchester City fans have become accustomed to elite-level recruitment. Every potential signing is therefore judged against the highest possible standard.
A player being talented is not necessarily enough.
Supporters want someone they believe can make a major difference.
The Maresca era adds another layer
Manchester City’s transfer decisions are particularly interesting because the club is now operating under a new head coach.
Enzo Maresca succeeded Pep Guardiola in June 2026, bringing an end to Guardiola’s long tenure at the Etihad.
That change naturally creates questions about recruitment.
Maresca will have his own ideas about the types of players required to implement his football. The club’s recruitment department will also have to balance those requirements with its long-term strategy.
As a result, every transfer rumour is likely to be examined closely.
The Pedro Neto situation is a good example.
If City genuinely have no interest in signing the Chelsea winger, supporters will now be waiting to see who the club considers a better option.
The reaction to Maza suggests fans already have their own ideas.
Fans want Manchester City to choose carefully
The excitement surrounding the news does not mean every Manchester City supporter shares the same opinion.
Social media reactions are naturally selective. The loudest comments often represent the strongest emotions rather than the views of the entire fanbase.
Still, the pattern in these reactions is difficult to ignore.
Multiple supporters expressed relief.
Several praised the transfer information.
Another fan suggested an alternative target.
Very few expressed disappointment about Manchester City not pursuing Neto.
That is the key takeaway.
City supporters appear to believe that the club can do better.
A transfer decision that has pleased the fanbase
The Pedro Neto update may not be the biggest transfer story of the summer, but the reaction from Manchester City supporters makes it significant.
Instead of panic or frustration, the dominant mood was celebration.
“Thank god.”
“IM ALIVEEEEEE.”
“Good.”
“Amen.”
Those comments paint a clear picture of the mood among the supporters who responded to the City Xtra post.
There was also a clear desire to move forward.
The call to sign Ibrahim Maza shows that fans are already thinking about alternatives rather than dwelling on Neto.
That could become an important theme as the transfer window progresses.
Manchester City may not be interested in Pedro Neto, but supporters will expect the club to have a clear plan for strengthening the attack.
What happens next for Manchester City?
The most important question now is what Manchester City do next.
If Neto is genuinely not on the club’s shortlist, then the focus will inevitably shift to other attacking targets.
For supporters, the ideal signing will need to offer more than just reputation.
They will want a player capable of making an immediate impact while also fitting into Maresca’s new Manchester City project.
The reaction to the Pedro Neto news suggests that fans are not desperate for the club to sign a big-name Premier League winger simply for the sake of it.
Instead, they want the right player.
That distinction matters.
Manchester City have entered a new era. With Maresca replacing Guardiola, the club has an opportunity to reshape its squad and establish a new identity.
For now, at least, a large section of the fanbase appears perfectly happy that Pedro Neto will not be part of that rebuild.
And judging by the reaction on X, some supporters already have another name in mind.
