How would Manchester City’s dream summer transfer window go?
Though the transfer window doesn’t officially open until June 14, Manchester City are no doubt already drafting up recruitment plans.
In what could potentially be Pep Guardiola’s last season in charge, the club will want to ensure he can have as successful a campaign as possible by strengthening the squad in key areas.
There could also be departures, with several key players linked with moves away.
Here’s how a dream summer transfer window for City would play out.
- Man City transfer rumours: Every player linked to and from the Etihad in summer transfer window
Man City midfielder transfer
Speculation seems to suggest a new midfielder is the prime target for City this summer.
Though Mateo Kovacic eventually found his groove, the Blues struggled without Ilkay Gundogan at points last year and Matheus Nunes didn’t provide much in his debut campaign.
City have been linked with at least six quality, combative midfielders already and managing to wrestle Bruno Guimaraes away from Newcastle United might be the dream addition.
Kevin De Bruyne to stay
There have been an alarming number of reports linking crucial City stars away from the Etihad Stadium and none more so than Kevin De Bruyne.
The brilliant Belgian is seemingly attracting interest from Saudi Pro League and MLS clubs but City need to keep hold of him.
Though he is ageing and a hamstring injury ruled him out for half the season, De Bruyne still contributed a massive 18 assists in just 26 appearances as well as six goals.
There still isn’t a better player in the world at creating quality chances than De Bruyne and he would be a massive miss.
Elsewhere, Bernardo Silva, Rodri and Jack Grealish have also been linked with moves away and City would keep them all in a dream window.
Man City winger transfer
A new winger also appears to be on the agenda for City despite the addition of Jeremy Doku last year.
With Phil Foden taking up a more central role going forward, a new right winger could be needed to ensure the squad remains balanced and full of firepower.
Both Pedro Neto and Michael Olise have been linked so far and either of the exciting pair would make fine additions.
Goalkeeper situation resolved quickly
The future of City’s top two goalkeepers is uncertain going into the summer.
Speculation suggests Ederson could be up for a move if an interesting offer came in while Stefan Ortega reportedly may depart if his contract is not sorted.
Losing not one but two goalkeepers in one go is hardly ideal, especially when Ederson is so integral to how City play.
The situation needs to be resolved as quickly as possible, hopefully with both shot-stoppers agreeing to stay.
Man City right-back transfer
Kyle Walker is now 34 and though he is coming off the back of yet another fine season, City may have to start considering a succession plan.
They already have able back-up in the squad with hot prospect Rico Lewis but the teenager is a different style of full-back.
Lewis is a ball-playing defender who tends to move into the middle of the pitch, whereas Walker provides width with his blistering pace.
Former City man Jeremie Frimpong has just shown he can do exactly that in a fantastic season at Bayer Leverkusen and could be the ideal Walker replacement.
- Man City summer transfer window 2024: Confirmed signings, departures, loan exits and releases
Man City transfer exits
City are in no danger of losing any players on free transfers this summer as they did with Gundogan a year ago.
The only squad member whose contract was due to expire was Scott Carson but the third-choice goalkeeper has already signed on for another year.
Instead, City will likely look to trim some of the fat from their squad. Ideally permanently but probably only on loans.
Joao Cancelo looks unlikely to play for City competitively again after a breakdown in his relationship with Guardiola.
The full-back has spent the last 18 months on loan at Bayern Munich and Barcelona but with three years remaining on his contract, he will be difficult to sell for a good price.
Kalvin Phillips’ time at the club remains doomed but given his form and the fact he has four years remaining on his deal, it’s hard to see anyone willing to shell out to pay for him.
Both could be shipped out on loan again while Sergio Gomez, Joshua Wilson-Esbrand, James McAtee, Maximo Perrone and Luke Mbette could all follow Tommy Doyle and Taylor Harwood-Bellis out the door.