After a poor 2024-2025 season, coach Pep Guardiola understands that he needs reinforcements if he wants to return to the dominant position. Manchester City finished third in the Premier League last season and the second season without a trophy under Guardiola.
The Spanish captain will certainly be determined to win the title after a season without a trophy. However, to do that, there are some positions in the Man City squad that need to be strengthened.
The Citizens' top priority is to find a replacement for Kevin De Bruyne in the 10th position. They are chasing Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz, but Liverpool and Bayern Munich are the strong candidates to sign the midfielder.
The Etihad team will also need more options in defense after having problems on both wings. In addition, they should add a new midfielder when looking for a long-term replacement for Ilkay Gundogan and Mateo Kovacic.
So, what will happen to Man City's starting lineup if they recruit all the targets?
Ederson remains Guardiola's number one choice in goal, despite being left out of several games last season for poor performances in a run of 11 games without a win.
Guardiola is in dire need of new full-backs and Man City have been linked with Newcastle's Tino Livramento, who has had a great season under Eddie Howe.
Guardiola was forced to bring Matheus Nunes to right-back after Kyle Walker moved to AC Milan. Therefore, an effort to recruit Livramento from Newcastle is very necessary.
While Guardiola has frequently changed his central defender positions, Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol will form the most ideal pair. A new player on the left wing will also be needed.
Young player Nico O'Reilly played very well last season, but Wolves star Rayan Ait-Nouri is the top target to solve this dilemma. The two clubs are negotiating a potential transfer fee for the salaried player.
In midfield, Guardiola will welcome Rodri back from a long-term injury. The £46 million signing Tijjani Reijnders will be the player alongside the Spanish international.
As well as Omar Marmoush, Guardiola will need another player who can play as a No. 10 after De Bruyne leaves. That player could be Lyon's Rayan Cherki as Man City accelerate to complete the deal.
Cherki, who scored 12 goals and provided 19 assists last season, has a £25 million release clause. This is a bargain for such a talented player and the negotiations are said to be proceeding, as Man City have agreed personal terms.
Besides Cherki, Guardiola could put Savinho on the right wing and Jeremy Doku on the left. Jack Grealish is not part of Guardiola's long-term plans and is on his way out. Man City also hope Phil Foden can regain his best form in the 2025-2026 season.
Bernardo Silva is also an important choice, while Marmoush will sometimes have to move around if he wants to start. He could be a replacement for Doku on the left wing with a high potential for breakthroughs.
And of course, Erling Haaland will lead the attack for Man City.
Potential Man City squad for the 2025-2026 season: Ederson, Livramento, Dias, Gvardiol, Ait-Nouri, Reijnders, Rodri, Savinho, Cherki, Doku, Haaland.
