I know what you're thinking – this article must be a joke! Manchester City, the current Premier League and Champions League champions, seem unstoppable. But in the ever-competitive Premier League, continuous improvement is crucial. With rival clubs already making summer signings, Pep Guardiola will be keen to strengthen his squad and maintain City's dominance over the past six years.
Let's analyze the positions City should reinforce and identify the best fits for Guardiola's team.
Let's begin by looking at potential additions City can make to bolster their defensive line.
The 2023/2024 season will present new defensive challenges for Pep's team. With Kyle Walker potentially leaving and Bayern Munich showing interest, Guardiola aims to replace Walker's physical and defensive skillset that has contributed to City's success. Jules Kounde could be the perfect player to fill the right back/right center back position. Renowned for his pace and defensive prowess, Kounde is also an excellent ball-playing center back. Despite playing right back for Barcelona last season, he demonstrated versatility and comfort in various positions. With recent unhappiness at Barcelona due to playing at right back, Kounde could thrive in Pep's system, focusing more on his defensive strengths.
With Barcelona's financial difficulties, a potential deal for Kounde may be on the horizon. At just 24 years old, Kounde has world-class potential, and Guardiola's ability to bring out the best in players could make this an ideal match.
Next, we will shift our focus to potential additions that can provide support to Rodri in the midfield.
Despite Rodri's exceptional season, City needs a midfielder to rotate with him in the holding midfield role. Rodri was City's most utilized player, making 56 appearances across all competitions. To protect his longevity and provide an alternative option, re-signing Aleix Garcia from Girona would be a smart move. Garcia emerged as one of La Liga's standout midfielders, contributing a goal and five assists from the holding midfield position as Girona finished 10th in their first top-flight season. With an 89% pass completion rate, strong work off the ball, and his previous experience at Manchester City, Garcia could serve as a perfect understudy to Rodri. Girona reportedly allows the 26-year-old to leave for a fee of only £20 million, enabling City to allocate funds to strengthen other positions.
Lastly, we will redirect our attention to the potential signing of a new right winger.
Amidst rumors of Riyad Mahrez and Bernardo Silva departing for the Saudi Super League, Pep Guardiola must consider a new right-winger. Moussa Diaby (in the middle) perfectly fits Guardiola's ideal profile for a right-sided forward, combining pace with end product as a left-footed player. The Bayer Leverkusen winger concluded the 2022/2023 season with 14 goals and 11 assists in all competitions, contributing to a total of 56 goal involvements in his past two seasons with the German club. Diaby's direct and effective playing style would pose an alternative threat to opposition defenders, complementing Erling Haaland's abilities.
Additionally, Diaby's creativity would lead to more goals for the team. His hard work off the ball further enhances his appeal to Guardiola. At just 24 years old, Diaby has substantial time to fulfill his high potential. Although a valuation of £70 million may seem steep, considering his international caps for France and his vast experience, securing a player of this caliber could prove to be a long-term steal.
However, City must act swiftly, as there is significant interest from clubs like Arsenal and Newcastle.
With additional signings such as Mateo Kovacic and the Josko Gvardiol deal nearing completion, Manchester City would undoubtedly be in a strong position to defend their treble in the upcoming 2023/2024 season.
What other signings do you believe Manchester City needs this summer?