Yesterday saw the summer transfer window close after a busy day of late deals to close the window. Manchester City did not make any signings on the final day of the window. The champions look to be happy with their squad going forward. But is the Manchester City squad stronger now the window has closed? That’s an interesting topic to investigate following a quiet summer of transfer activity for the world champions.
In terms of first-team additions, the champions brought in Savinho and Ilkay Gundogan this summer. There wasn’t an upheaval of the Manchester City squad and the pair look to be shrewd additions to Pep Guardiola’s squad. There was a vacancy on the right wing in the City squad and Savinho has made a strong start in the role. Ilkay Gundogan’s strengths are well known and his return to Manchester City after a season at Barcelona immediately strengthens the champions midfield. Manchester City spent the summer looking for a midfielder to provide cover for Rodri and ended up with almost the perfect player to strengthen their squad. On that front, the Manchester City squad appears to be stronger than it was a season ago.
In terms of first-team departures, Julian Alvarez leaving City for Atletico Madrid was the biggest departure of note for Manchester City. Sergio Gomez also left the club for Real Sociedad early in the transfer window. There were also moves for Joao Cancelo to Al Hilal and Kalvin Phillips on loan to Ipswich Town. But neither player was a regular first-team contributor for Pep Guardiola. Manchester City also sent a host of young players out on loan this summer. The full list of City’s ins and outs this summer can be found at the following link.
Is the Manchester City squad stronger after their summer business?
There is no doubt that across midfield the Manchester City squad is stronger than it was a season ago. Ilkay Gundogan’s return gives the City midfield a formidable look. He adds tremendous experience, technical ability and tactical awareness to City’s engine room. So on that front, Manchester City look stronger than they were a season ago.
The same can be said with Savinho’s addition to City’s attack. With the Brazilian international added to City’s ranks, he adds something different to Pep Guardiola’s squad. There was also another factor that made the Manchester City squad look more dangerous in wide areas before injury struck. Oscar Bobb was Manchester City’s best performer during their pre-season tour of the United States and in their FA Community Shield win over Manchester United. The Norwegian international looked set for a breakout season before being struck down by a fractured leg. But the champions do appear to have more options in wide areas this season.
But the departure of Julian Alvarez does make Pep Guardiola’s squad look lighter up front. Erling Haaland is the only striker in Manchester City’s first-team set-up. It is expected that players like James McAtee, Phil Foden, Ilkay Gundogan and others will play as a false 9 when Haaland needs rest. But the departure of Alvarez does make the Manchester City squad appear light on for options up front.
Summary
So is the Manchester City squad stronger following the summer transfer window? It does look to have more options for Pep Guardiola to utilise this season. Ilkay Gundogan and Savinho do add a different dynamic to the City first team. While they aren’t out-and-out replacements for Julian Alvarez and what he provided they do strengthen the City squad.
In my opinion, the Manchester City squad is stronger than it was before the transfer window opened. It wasn’t an exciting window in terms of incomings from the champions but the two players that arrived compliment the City squad well. But the lack of a backup striker is now definitely a weakness. The hope will be that Erling Haaland can stay fit throughout the season and get the rest he needs on occasion.
But for me Manchester City look to be well set for the 24/25 season. That was the goal when the transfer window opened and one they succeeded in achieving on closer inspection.
