Man City transfer targets: How Guardiola can improve sensational Citizens
Manchester City will be looking to improve on near-perfection when they enter the transfer market this summer.
The Citizens won an unprecedented fourth consecutive Premier League title in 2023/24 — and can add the FA Cup to their collection if they beat Manchester United in Saturday’s final.
But Pep Guardiola will be hungry for more silverware next term, as he targets a second Champions League triumph with Man City.
Here’s how England’s top side can improve their squad when the transfer window opens.
Gibbs-White grab
Man City have been interested in West Ham’s Lucas Paqueta for a year or so. But that move looks likely to be dead after he was charged for alleged betting rule breaches.
With the likely exit of Kalvin Phillips — and a possible departure to MLS or Saudi Arabia for playmaker Kevin De Bruyne — Guardiola will be keen to add depth in the centre of the park.
And Morgan Gibbs-White is a good Paqueta alternative. Gibbs-White is more of an attacking alternative, with 74 chances created and 16 big chances created in the Premier League.
But he was a fighter in the middle of the pitch too, ranking in the top 20 for possessions won in the middle third (86).
He also won a commendable 73 possessions in the defensive third and 20 in the attacking third. Missing out on a spot in the England squad, Gibbs-White does come with an expected price tag of at least £50m.
Goalkeeper replacement?
Man City’s goalkeeping department is stacked full of quality, but they may have to sell one of their shot-stoppers.
Stefan Ortega has impressed when called up so could look for an opportunity to be first-choice elsewhere, while shock reports suggest the Citizens are open to selling Ederson if they receive a large enough offer.
Either scenario would necessitate a goalkeeper signing — and Monza’s Michele Di Gregorio appears to be the standout option.
No Serie A goalkeeper has prevented more goals than the 26-year-old this term (12.29), while his impressive long pass completion (243) also warrants praise.
But Man City may need to move quickly, with Juventus believed to be close to securing his signature.
Frimpong return
Jeremie Frimpong is attracting plenty of attention following Bayer Leverkusen’s unbeaten Bundesliga campaign, with a host of Europe’s biggest clubs circling the right-back.
And Man City could move for the 23-year-old if long-serving veteran Kyle Walker was to leave the club.
He would replace Walker’s pace down the right-flank while adding plenty of end product, having registered 16 goals contributions (nine goals, seven assists) this season.
A return to the Etihad Stadium may appeal to Frimpong, who played for Man City as a youngster and could be available for a reasonable £35million.