Football Season Guide

Manchester City

In


Erling Haaland (att) Borussia Dortmund; Kalvin Phillips (mid) Leeds; Stefan Ortega (gk) Arminia Bielefeld; Julián Álvarez (att) River Plate

Out


Raheem Sterling (att) Chelsea; Gabriel Jesus (att) Arsenal; Oleksandr Zinchenko (mid) Arsenal; Pedro Porro (def) Sporting CP; Ko Itakura (def) Borussia Monchengladbach; Arijanet Muric (gk) Burnley; Ryotaro Meshino (att) Osaka; Fernandinho (mid) released; Zack Steffen (gk) Middlesborough – on loan; Daniel Arzani (att) released; Yangel Herrera (mid) Girona - on loan

Despite a drop in form at some point in the winter, Manchester City spent 168 days atop the Premier League last season. Pep Guardiola’s side conceded the joint-fewest along with Liverpool (26) and managed to clinch the title with a dramatic final day comeback victory over Aston Villa at home. Manchester City offloaded sometimes starting forwards Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus to rivals Chelsea and Arsenal, respectively. However, they strengthened their attack with the arrival of one of the most sought-after strikers worldwide in Erling Haaland. Captain Fernandinho departed on a free transfer but was replaced by solid England international Kalvin Philipps, while talented forward Julian Alvarez signed from River Plate to provide Pep Guardiola with more attacking options. Man City now have one of the strongest squads in European football. Their team could be frightening in the event Guardiola manages to help Haaland quickly adapt to his new surroundings. It has to be noted that City scored a league-high 99 goals last season. The Sky Blues possess a formidable attack, as well as one of the most solid defensive lines in England. It’s very difficult to spot a single weakness in a squad that could be considered as one of the most complete in European football.

Target


After winning four Premier League trophies in five years, Manchester City’s goal will be to retain the title - perhaps in a less dramatic and more comfortable fashion this time.