Pep Guardiola, the renowned manager of Manchester City, has established himself as one of the greatest managers of his generation and potentially of all time. He has not only transformed how the game is played but also achieved success in three different countries, winning all there is to win.
The fans also saw Guardiola’s impact on City, with everyone who purchases Manchester City tickets to the Etihad always left with 90 minutes of enthralling football action.
Recently, Guardiola led Manchester City to a remarkable Treble triumph, including the long-awaited Champions League trophy. This victory served as the ultimate validation of City’s dominance and Guardiola’s managerial prowess. It would be easy for him to retire at this point, having achieved such a significant milestone, but he has two years remaining on his contract and intends to honor them.
The question arises: how does Guardiola keep things interesting after reaching the pinnacle of success?
One possibility is the pursuit of an unprecedented quadruple, although the challenge of achieving that was dashed by Nathan Jones in the past. However, the upcoming summer transfer window could present a more demanding situation for City than initially anticipated.
Guardiola usually prefers gradual evolution rather than sudden revolution during the transfer window. Nonetheless, there have been exceptions, such as his second summer in charge when significant changes were made to the squad.
Last summer also saw notable departures and the introduction of Erling Haaland, heralding a new style of play.
While it was initially thought that this summer would see fewer changes, the situation has rapidly changed. The departure of Ilkay Gundogan, potentially to Barcelona, means that midfield reinforcements are needed. Mateo Kovacic is one potential target, with Declan Rice being pursued as another.
Gundogan, the savior who brought the title home in the previous season in the final game against Aston Villa, was City’s go-to playmaker again in their treble triumph. Fans have always rallied behind Gundogan, as he displayed true leadership characteristics, motivating more fans to purchase Manchester City tickets.
Additionally, there have been rumors of Joao Cancelo and Aymeric Laporte’s potential exits, which could necessitate the signing of a new center-back. The need for a left-back has been evident for some time, but the performances of Nathan Ake, Manuel Akanji, and Rico Lewis might allow City to manage without a new signing in that position.
However, the dynamics of the situation have altered drastically. Kyle Walker is contemplating his future due to concerns over his lack of playing time. Furthermore, Saudi Arabia, the new big transfer market spenders, has been heavily linked with Bernardo Silva and Riyad Mahrez.
Manchester City could potentially lose six key first-team players in a single summer, including three who played in the Champions League final, all of whom made significant contributions throughout the season.
Losing players of such importance would undoubtedly present a considerable challenge for Guardiola, unlike anything he has faced. In 2017, the departures from the squad were planned and did not significantly affect the team’s performance.
However, this time, City could lose players they intended to retain and those who remain essential to the side. Add to that, these players have been the livewire of the side, and for everyone who’s been to a game with Manchester City tickets, they’ve been exceptional entertainers.
If Guardiola is to come close to replicating last season’s success, City will require significant replacements. Despite the potential difficulties, the new challenge might invigorate Guardiola and add a fresh and exciting element to his managerial journey.
City’s first – Mateo Kovacic
Mateo Kovacic is on the verge of becoming Manchester City’s first summer signing, as he will undergo a medical to confirm his shirt. City and Chelsea have agreed on an initial fee of £25 million for the Croatian midfielder, with a potential £5 million in add-ons. Chelsea is willing to sell Kovacic as they aim to balance their books after significant spending in the previous season.
Kovacic’s desire for the move and the expected successful completion of the medical mean that he should be able to join Pep Guardiola and the rest of the squad for pre-season training next month.
However, Kovacic is not a direct replacement for Ilkay Gundogan, who has already confirmed his departure from City. As a result, City may continue to explore the market for another midfielder, with West Ham’s Declan Rice being of interest. However, the transfer fee for Rice could be a sticking point, especially since City’s priority defensive target, Josko Gvardiol, will also likely come at a high cost.
Apart from Gundogan’s departure, the futures of Aymeric Laporte, Bernardo Silva, Riyad Mahrez, and Kyle Walker remain uncertain. Laporte and Silva are expected to leave if suitable offers are received, while there are ongoing discussions regarding the potential exits of Mahrez and Walker. The upcoming transfer window holds further uncertainty for City, and it remains to be seen how Guardiola’s squad will shape up by the end of the summer.
The Declan Rice situation
Manchester City is yet to make a bid for Declan Rice despite their interest in the West Ham midfielder. The club is currently evaluating the composition of their midfield for the upcoming season. With Ilkay Gundogan set to join Barcelona and Mateo Kovacic arriving from Chelsea for an initial fee of £25 million, the midfield ranks will undoubtedly be changed.
With Kovacic not seen as a direct replacement for Gundogan, City remains open to reasonable offers for Bernardo Silva, incredibly if Paris Saint-Germain or other clubs firm up their interest in the Portuguese midfielder.
While Rice could be considered a more direct replacement for Gundogan, there are still considerations regarding his playing style and goal threat. Kovacic and Rice possess different attacking prowess than Gundogan, who excelled at finding space in the opposition box.
Away from the field, Rice has been an incredible ambassador to the sport at West Ham, embracing the fans and is regarded as a humble character. The signing of Rice could also compensate for the exit of their other players and keep the spirits of those with Manchester City tickets for the new season high.
Guardiola has a track record of improving players, but whether Kovacic or Rice can fill that specific role remains to be seen.
With Phil Foden showcasing his abilities in a central role during the Champions League final, John Stones impressing in midfield during that game, and Kalvin Phillips expressing his commitment to stay and improve next season, there may be room for more rotation of Rodri and Kevin De Bruyne without the need for a marquee signing like Rice.
The potential fee for Rice, particularly with Arsenal also showing strong interest, comes with high expectations, as Jack Grealish experienced in his first season at the Etihad.
While City has demonstrated a willingness to pay significant sums for long-term investments, they are also conscious of their net spending. They will prioritize defensive signings to cover the anticipated departure of Aymeric Laporte.
City will be in trouble if Silva leaves
The potential departure of Bernardo Silva from Manchester City would present Pep Guardiola with three significant problems to address. Despite rumors surfacing every summer about Silva’s future, there is a sense that it could be different this time. In an interview earlier this year, Silva hinted at the possibility of seeking a new project once his contract expires at 31.
During the club’s Treble parade celebrations, teammate Jack Grealish expressed genuine concern about Silva’s future at City.
Losing Silva would leave a significant void in Guardiola’s squad, as the Portuguese international has showcased his versatility by playing in various positions this season. He has featured as a central midfielder, right-winger, and even as a makeshift left-back.
If Silva departs, City would likely need reinforcements in multiple positions. The left-back role has been problematic, with Joao Cancelo’s potential exit and Guardiola’s lack of confidence in Benjamin Mendy.
While Silva was a short-term solution for that position, his adaptability provided an additional option. A direct replacement would be necessary for the center-midfield position, where Silva made 25 appearances this season.
However, in City’s biggest games, Silva’s absence would be most keenly felt. He started all but one of their Champions League knockout matches on the right wing, delivering standout performances such as his brace against Real Madrid.
Those crucial goals helped alleviate the pressure and set City on the path to victory. While Riyad Mahrez and Cole Palmer are capable players who could fill the right-wing position, neither has fully convinced Guardiola in the most significant matches.
Manchester City tickets for the pre-season friendlies are already available to purchase. If the transfers go City’s way, fans will also see their new signings before the season kicks off later in the year.
