No side has defended a Premier League title in almost a decade, but Manchester City will be hoping to buck that trend this season, following on from their record-breaking campaign last time out.
They’ve been quiet in the transfer window so far though, with only Riyad Mahrez joining from Leicester, while there have been a host of loanees exit the club, as well as stalwart Yaya Toure.
Here are some players who Manchester City should be looking at ahead of the new season.
Danny Rose
It’s not out of the question that Manchester City go looking for a left back this summer. Benjamin Mendy spent most of last season out injured and, as admirably as Fabian Delph and Danilo filled in for him, neither are left backs. Danny Rose is though and he’s an international standard one and would help with the homegrown quota at the Etihad. It would cost a lot of money to buy him, but that isn’t a problem for a club like Manchester City.
Odds on joining Manchester City this summer: 9/1
Thiago Alcantara
The Spanish midfielder has followed Pep Guardiola throughout his career, starting off at Barcelona before joining Bayern Munich. Guardiola himself has said that Thiago is his favourite player and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see them reunited in the Premier League. Bayern have already signed Leon Goretzka this summer, which might mean that Thiago might be free to leave. City missed out on Jorginho, but it’s very unlikely they’d miss out on the Spanish midfielder if he became available.
Odds on joining Manchester City this summer: 13/2
Toby Alderweireld
City strengthened their defence with the arrival of Aymeric Laporte back in January, but the debate over Vincent Kompany’s fitness still rages on and Alderweireld could be seen as a replacement for his international teammate. The Spurs defender is renowned for playing out from defence, which Guardiola likes, and is also solid defensively. City won’t be able to compete on all fronts without signing a new defender, especially as they’re prone to conceding goals.
Odds on joining Manchester City this summer: 18/1
Ryan Sessegnon
Most of England’s top clubs are in for Sessegnon and City are no different. They’re also likely to strengthen in the left back position, which makes the signing of the Fulham youngster ideal. However, young English players have moved to the Etihad before and have struggled with the burden and getting game time, which could deter Sessegnon from signing. It’s unlikely that he’ll even leave Fulham this summer, let alone join Manchester City.
Odds on joining Manchester City this summer: 25/1
Harry Maguire
City have already done some business with Leicester this summer and they could be tempted to link John Stones up with his international teammate in defence. They’ll have to stump up a huge fee for Maguire, while rivals Manchester United are also interested. United beat City to the signing of Fred this summer, so they’ll be keen to beat them to the signature of Maguire.
Odds on joining Manchester City this summer: 22/1
Wilfried Zaha
Zaha interested Manchester City in January, but the arrival of Riyad Mahrez looks to have spelled the end of their pursuit of Crystal Palace’s Ivorian winger. There would also be questions as to Zaha’s temperament, following his early career flop move to Manchester United.
Odds on joining Manchester City this summer: 25/1
Mateo Kovacic
City missed out on the signing of Jorginho earlier this summer, who chose to go to Chelsea, but Real Madrid’s Croatian midfielder Mateo Kovacic has been strongly linked to a move to the Etihad. He’s currently behind Luka Modric and Toni Kroos in the pecking order in Madrid, but City will have to pay a lot to sign him. They already have plenty of midfielders and they might deem the fee for Kovacic unnecessary for a player who might not see too much first team action.
Odds on joining Manchester City this summer: 3/1
