Over the next few weeks we’ll be looking at some of the top Premier League clubs and outlining what business they need to do this summer to improve for next season. Let’s start with the 2019 Manchester City transfer targets.
198 points over the last two seasons along with five trophies including back-to-back Premier League titles. How could you possibly improve upon that? Manchester City, under Pep Guardiola, is arguably the best team English football has ever seen. However, they must avoid complacency and do what they can to stay on top. Although they have no glaring weaknesses and great depth, they may need to replace aging/departing players.
Fernandinho Backup/Replacement
Most City fans would agree that a Fernandinho successor would be the main goal for this summer. The Brazilian has been tremendous, often one of the most underrated players in the league. However, he’s 34 and won’t be able to play as consistently or at as high of a level as he has been. City’s ideal solution? Atlético Madrid’s young Spaniard: Rodri. He has a brutal, physical presence in midfield, and his abilities on the ball have been deemed worthy of playing in a Guardiola side. The 22-year-old is the most important player City could sign this summer.
Kompany Replacement
Longtime captain Vincent Kompany’s departure has also left City’s centerback depth lacking. Although Laporte and Stones are great, Guardiola would like another player of that caliber. Who else but Ajax captain Matthijs de Ligt to come into the side. Calm on the ball but tenacious as a defender, the 19-year-old would be perfect at the Etihad.
Otamendi is a decent third-choice centerback, but if City want to be ruthless they’ll try their best to convince the Dutchman to sign with them. However, they’ll have to compete for his signature with the likes of Juventus, Barcelona, and PSG. If they fail with De Ligt, expect Pep to cave and pick up Harry Maguire from Leicester.
Sane Replacement
Finally, the only other thing City might need depends on Leroy Sane’s future. The electric left-winger is one one of City’s most dangerous players, and he’s been heavily linked to Bayern Münich. If the Bavarian giants do pick him up for a reported fee of at least €80m, City would need a replacement. João Felix of Benfica seems to be the main target. Although not traditionally a left winger himself, the versatile youngster would give Pep the option to switch around Sterling and Jesus to accommodate his side’s needs.
Going after the best young defensive midfielder in the world along with two prodigies might seem like overkill, but these are the kind of moves a top team makes if they want to continue to be great. When you consider their unlimited financial backing, there’s no reason Guardiola shouldn’t go out and spend another €200m+ on these three players. However, if Manchester City don’t land all of their transfer targets, they’re still in good enough condition to continue to be one of the top teams in the world next season.