It is set to be a summer of change at Manchester City as Pep Guardiola continues his rebuild towards the third phase of his City tenure.
January saw the arrivals of young defenders Abdukodir Khusanov, Vitor Reis and Juma Bah, as well as midfield star Nico Gonzalez and forward Omar Marmoush from Eintracht Frankfurt.
The last time City finished outside of the top two, Guardiola presided over a game-changing transfer window that saw City move from fourth place to 100-point champions in one season.
Guardiola’s team’s success was built on their full-backs and the arrival of Kyle Walker was particularly pivotal that summer.
And while there is uncertainty over the futures of goalkeepers Ederson and Stefan Ortega heading into the final year of their contract, replacing either player is far from a priority this summer unless one of those players leave the club. Porto’s Diogo Costa has been identified as a possible option in that regard.
Instead, like the summer of 2017, City’s transfer rebuild should begin at full-back. Since Walker was allowed to join AC Milan in the January window, City have been without any natural full-backs.
Josko Gvardiol and Nico O’Reilly have filled in at left-back, while Matheus Nunes has filled in at right-back. Rico Lewis has been used there but he prefers to play in midfield by his own admission.
With that in mind, if City can sign two natural full-backs this summer that would be a big plus for Guardiola. Newcastle right-back Tino Livramento and Wolves left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri.
While both deals would be expensive and difficult to pull off, particularly in Livramento’s case given Newcastle are now challengers to City, both would be ideal additions given their ability, experience and age profile.
That would allow Josko Gvardiol to be used as a centre-back and alongside Ruben Dias, Nathan Ake and Manu Akanji, City would have four of the best options in the Premier League in that department.
John Stones has been excellent during his nine years at City and his ability is without question. But his availability is a concern and aged 31 and in the final year of his contract, this summer may be the right time to try and move him on.
Khusanov should stick around to learn from those four players but loan moves for Reis and Bah seem the most likely option this summer.
In midfield, Rodri’s return to fitness will be huge while Nico Gonzalez has shown shoots of potential. Ilkay Gundogan’s contract has been extended by a further year so his experience will be vital, while Mateo Kovacic has proven he can perform in big games for City.
But the arrival of Tijjani Reijnders from AC Milan would see him form a frightening partnership with Rodri at the base of City’s midfield. City have opened talks over a move for the Dutch international.
Nunes should be moved on but O’Reilly will give City options at full-back, midfield and in attacking midfield after a positive first season in the first team.
City’s attacking midfield options could be overhauled this summer, too. Kevin De Bruyne is leaving and getting his replacement right is crucial. Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White is their top target but would set them back £100million.
Similarly, Rayan Cherki has been mooted as a possible alternative at £25million. He bagged 20 assists for Lyon last season and is available for £25million. He can play off the right, too, which could give licence for Bernardo Silva to leave the club amid interest from Benfica.
Marmoush would start on the left-hand side and with Haaland up front, City’s potential new look front four would strike fear into their Premier League rivals.
It would leave Phil Foden, Savinho and Jeremy Doku in reserve, with Jack Grealish expected to leave the club this summer, four years since his £100million move from Aston Villa.
Starting XI: Ederson; Livramento, Dias, Gvardiol, Ait-Nouri; Reijnders, Rodri; Cherki, Gibbs-White, Marmoush; Haaland
Substitutes: Ortega, Lewis, Akanji, Ake, Kovacic, O’Reilly, Gonzalez, Doku, Savinho, Foden
Remainder of 25-man squad: Third choice goalkeeper, Gundogan, Khusanov, Echeverri, Bobb
