Over the past few years Manchester City have spent lavishly every summer. However, this season, they are yet to sign that blockbuster player, who could create that level of enthusiasm that players like Aguero, Toure and many others did when they arrived at the Etihad Stadium. Other than signing Gundogan and Spanish International Nolito, transfer activity has been at a minimal this summer. Pep Guardiola’s arrival signaled the start of an era of dominance and attractive football, however it’s been the red half of Manchester that has been dominating the transfer window with attractive buys like Ibrahimovic and Mkhitaryan. Even Paul Pogba is on the cusp of returning to Old Trafford.
City have strutted their way through the summer, with only one win coming in three matches and that was also on penalties. The tour to China created more problems than it solved. A host of players have yet to get proper game time that is required before the season kicks off properly in 2 weeks. The Citizens will be fretting over the form of some of their star players especially the likes of Raheem Sterling and Yaya Toure. It will be crucial that Guardiola gets in some proven world class talent across to the Eithad stadium over the next month, otherwise City’s season could be over even before it started.
Toni Kross
With Yaya Toure struggling for form for the past year and a half, Guardiola will do well to bring a world class central midfielder who can control the tempo of the game just like the Ivorian did. Fernando was expected to take the baton from Toure but hasn’t been that consistent. It will be great coup if Guardiola can manage to sign Kross. He is a great passer, who has the ability to single-handedly control the flow of the game, something City lack currently. He won’t come cheap but the German international is an exceptional talent, who has been in great for club and country recently. He will be an ideal replacement for Toure and can take City forward for many years to come.
John Stones
With Vincent Kompany struggling with injuries and Mangala yet to settle in completely, City look short of solid centre-backs and that is why the signing of John Stones becomes even more important. He has been constantly linked with a move to the Etihad stadium, however a £50m valuation conjured up by Everton looks to be a little overprices. But with no other replacements available, City board are working hard to reach an understanding with the hierarchy at Everton. The English international is an exceptionally talented player, who will definitely add a lot of steal to the City back-line.
Leroy Sane
Sane was part of the German squad that took part in the recently concluded European Championship, unfortunately he wasn’t given much chance to shine. Sane has been linked with a host of clubs and therefore Guardiola feels the time is right to make a move otherwise his value could sky rocket in the coming few years. He is still very raw, therefore guidance by Guardiola will be necessary in turning him into a finished product. He has great pace and excellent dribbling ability, something he uses often to cut inside form the wing.