Manchester City have been one of the most dominant club sides in Europe since Pep Guardiola took charge as head coach. The Cityzens took their dominance in the English Premier League to another level after winning the PL crown for the fourth consecutive time last season.
The City squad probably needs no new additions as it already boasts a huge number of world-class talents capable of picking up from where they left off in the Premier League last season. However, the English champions have been linked with a few potential targets as they look to inject a bit of freshness into the squad.
Soccernet.football takes a look at what the Manchester City starting XI could look like if they manage to get their summer targets through the door.
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Ederson Moraes (GK)
Ederson has been heavily linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League with reports suggesting the 30-year-old is looking to leave the Etihad. However, Manchester City are reluctant to let go of the Brazilian who is very crucial to the way they play and have set their asking price at £50m as they believe that amount will be too high for potential suitors.
Kyle Walker (RB)
The England international has grown in leaps and bounds since swapping North London for Manchester, developing into one of the most reliable full-backs across Europe. At 34 years old, Walker boasts an incredible amount of pace which enables him to comfortably contribute on both ends of the pitch. Despite speculations about his potential exit, we expect to see him remain at the Etihad.
Ronald Araujo (CB)
The Barcelona defender has been linked with a move to several top European clubs including Manchester City. Araujo has established himself as one of the most reliable central defenders across Europe’s top five leagues and a move to the Etihad could well be on the cards if City can draw up the right offer.
Nathan Ake (CB)
Ake was one of City’s most reliable players last season as they successfully orchestrated a late Premier League title charge. The 29-year-old was also impressive for the Netherlands at Euro 2024 in Germany, helping his nation to reach the semifinals. A potential central defensive pairing of Ake and Araujo in the coming season would certainly make for an exciting watch.
Josko Gvardiol (LB)
A natural center-back, the Croatia international made that left-back position his own last season, occasionally popping up with crucial goals and assists for Manchester City and it would come as no surprise to see Guardiola deploy the former RB Leipzig man in the same position come the start of the new Premier League season.
Rodrigo Hernandez (DM)
The Spaniard has earned himself a reputation as arguably the best defensive midfielder currently playing the sport and to be fair, he’s worth every bit of the hype. Rodri can certainly walk into the starting XI of any top European team but for the 2024/2025 season, he will continue to put his talents to good use at the heart of Manchester City’s defense.
Bruno Guimaraes (CM)
The Brazilian has made a name for himself as one of the best central midfielders across Europe after two seasons at Newcastle United, understandably attracting interest from several top clubs including Manchester City who are reported to be really keen on a move. Guimaraes’ technical quality would make him a perfect fit at the Etihad but the 26-year-old certainly won’t come cheap.
Kevin De Bryune (CM)
City’s creator-in-chief has been the subject of transfer speculations regarding a potential move to the Saudi Pro League for much of the summer. However, Guardiola has come out to debunk the rumors, insisting that their talisman will not be leaving this summer. While rival fans may be gutted by the news, the City faithful will certainly be delighted by it.
Bernado Silva (RW)
The Portuguese was one of City’s standout performers from last season but he went on to have a rather quiet outing with Portugal at the European Championships. Silva has an incredible ability to do a job on every part of the pitch, whether it’s scoring goals, making assists, dictating play in midfield or tracking back to help out in defense which makes him a crucial member of this XI.
Phil Foden ( LW)
The City academy graduate hasn’t looked back since getting his chance in the first team back in 2017 and his importance to Guardiola’s setup has only continued to increase since then. After a mixed outing for England at the European Championships, we expect the 24-year-old to get back to his mesmerizing best on the left flank for the English champions.
Erling Haaland (CF)
The Norwegian goal-machine will certainly be leading Manchester City’s attack when the new season begins. Having formed an impressive partner upfront with Foden, we expect to see those two tear opposition defenses apart on matchdays. If De Bruyne can stay fit throughout the season, we could potentially see the 24-year-old match the numbers he produced in his first season at the Etihad.
