Reigning Premier League champions Manchester City were hit with a rather calamitous two-season European ban by UEFA earlier in the campaign, and could hence have a fair amount of difficulty luring players to the Etihad Stadium this summer. With that said though, it must be conceded that there has been no shortage of players linked with a move to the blue side of Manchester. A report by local publication Manchester Evening News has rounded up all the players that City have been linked with so far.
The Citizens’ search for a new centre-half has been no secret, and bringing in a dependable player to partner up with Aymeric Laporte is sure to be right at the top of Guardiola’s to-do-list for the summer. Also, the fact that David Silva is set to depart at the end of the season is sure to come as a gutting blow to this City side, who’ve been blessed with some brilliant football by the Spanish wizard over the years. Finding a creative midfielder of the same pedigree was never going to be an easy task, but you can bet your bottom pound that Guardiola will have a right go at it. Benjamin Mendy’s inconsistency at left-back has been a slight concern at times too.
How Manchester City Could Lineup Next Season
Formation: 4-3-3
GK – Ederson Moraes
Although the Brazilian did have a couple of horror outings over the course of the campaign, it must be conceded that City pulled off an absolute blinder by signing him. Expect him to remain first-choice at the Etihad Stadium for a long time to come.
RB – Kyle Walker
Another one of the many standout players that this City team boasts. Walker might just be the quintessential modern-day full-back. Blisteringly quick on the ball and equally strong while defending, the former Spurs man’s place in the side hasn’t really come into question.
CB – Ruben Dias – SL Benfica
The 22-year-old Portuguese international has been touted to be the Citizens’ top defensive target for the summer, and with good reason. Adept at carrying the ball out of defence with his composed passing, the youngster could be the ideal partner for Laporte.
CB – Aymeric Laporte
The Frenchman was nothing short of a sensation when he first broke into the side, and his untimely injury this season had the most apparent of negative impacts. An assured starter once back to full fitness – Laporte will only be hoping for a better defensive partner than John Stones.
LB – Ben Chilwell – Leicester City
The Leicester City man has an uncanny ability to deliver inch-perfect crosses into the box from wide, which has the potential to be the Citizens’ secret weapon. A willing runner, the 23-year-old could become a regular in Guardiola’s system at Mendy’s expense next season.
CM – Kevin De Bruyne
The Belgian superstar is undoubtedly the best player in the Manchester City roster, and quite possibly in the entire Premier League. His name is sure to be the first one printed on the teamsheet every week, irrespective of any additional signings they make this summer.
CM – Rodri
The Spaniard had an immediate impact in English league football, but over the course of the campaign his influence in midfield slowly died down. His sheer work-rate, as well as general awareness, make him an excellent defensive-minded midfielder who pops up with crucial goals as well.
CM – Jack Grealish – Aston Villa
Quite possibly one of the biggest surprise packages of the season so far – Jack Grealish has been quite sensational in the league all through the campaign. Despite the Villans’ painful struggle against relegation, the Englishman has been a lone shining light amid all the darkness.
RW – Raheem Sterling
The former Liverpool man had a largely underwhelming run in the Premier League this time around, despite absolutely tearing teams to shreds last season. Irrespective of that, the fact remains that Sterling is one of the deadliest midfielders in the world on his day, and is an assured starter.
LW – Leroy Sané
Sane is the dynamic attacker that this City side have been calling out for this season, and if it wasn’t for his early injury, he would’ve probably had an important part to play. Riyad Mahrez tends to display a certain degree of lethargy that would be entirely eliminated by bringing Sané in his stead.
ST – Sergio Aguero
The Argentine striker looks to be ageless as well as timeless. He’s like a never-ending gold mine for City, with the only difference being that he deals in goals. Now 31, the former Atletico Madrid man still has a couple of good years in him, which Guardiola is sure to make the absolute most of.
