Summer ins & outs at Manchester City

Of course, this is mostly speculative, guess work…with a little bit of experience / knowledge thrown into the mix.

Who might be leaving?

Probably a good place to start, then we can begin to look at which holes in the team we need to fill.

Claudio Bravo?

I can see this fella staying with 1-year left on his contract but, perhaps, it’ll be in as a registered player, still, but with a part time coaching role too – something like that...

However, there have been recent rumours that some clubs both in Europe and in South America would be keen to sign the Chilean stopper if available and he might just fancy the latter as a stage to bow out on. If we don’t sign an additional keeper in the summer, which is something I’ll get on to in the second part of this piece, then I can see him being asked to stay by a manager who likes him. A lot if it then, in my opinion, is up to the player himself.

Chance of leaving in my opinion: 5/10

Would I like to see him stay? Undecided / depends.

Aro Muric?

Again, a lot depends on whether we bring in a new Number 2 to Ederson. If we do, I can see Aro being loaned out again (remember he was, briefly, in August 2018 but was yanked back rapid style following the near-season-long injury to Claudio).

Did well against lower-league oppo in the League Cup and I think Pep likes him. However, our manager might want to see more of him via reports at a club where he’s going to feature far more regularly. A move could be on for the 6’ 6” Kosovo keeper but, as I say, I think it’ll be on loan if anything – I believe he has more time at City to come.

Chance of leaving in my opinion: 7/10 (on loan)

Would I like to see him stay? Yes (but fine with a loan).

Danilo?

Well, I don’t think the player himself wants to leave, despite limited game time at either left or right-wing back, and I don’t Pep has an issue with him either. But a lack of minutes on the pitch has, apparently, turned the heads of a couple of ‘wanting teams’ and it’s only for that reason that I’ve included him.

Chance of leaving in my opinion: 3/10

Would I like to see him stay? Yes.

Eliaquim Mangala?

If someone will have him, I think this is a definite sale. If someone won’t buy him, surely a loan will be looked at to see out his contract at least. Failing THAT, perhaps they’ll just agree a deal for him to leave with a payoff and a handshake.

Chance of leaving in my opinion: 10/10

Would I like to see him stay? No.

Nicholas Otamendi?

I think a lot depends on the player himself; I think Pep would keep him on board as a solid squad player. Should we bring in quality replacement for the departed Vincent Kompany, that could prove a deciding factor for the Argentine as that would surely keep him 4^th in the ‘pecking order’.

Chance of leaving in my opinion: 5/10

Would I like to see him stay? Yes.

Fabian Delph?

At times, the versatile England man has proven crucial, especially during the 2017/18 season. But that season came in-between an injury-plagued season the one before and a very much out of sorts season just gone and I think the latter, at least, has killed it for him.

Chance of leaving in my opinion: 10/10

Would I like to see him stay? No.

Fernandinho?

There have been no suggestions from anyone that the season just gone would be the Brazilian’s last at City. And neither is intense talk, for so very long of a much-needed, new defensive midfielder, being dubbed necessarily as a replacement for the much-admired, deep-lying middle man. Instead, any newcomer in that role would be someone to share the workload; with any new signing likely to have the higher percentage of games.

But he will be [just] 35 before the end of next season so the question does need to be asked and if our forward-thinking boss also intends to nurture a young player in that mould as well as bringing in a Fernandinho-style player via the chequebook route, then that could nudge the ex-Shakhtar closer towards the exit.

Chance of leaving in my opinion: 2/10

Would I like to see him stay? Yes.

Ilkay Gundogan?

Rumours have been ongoing for a while now; possibly even season-long about Ilkay leaving us this summer. Most of those rumours seem to be around the player himself considering his future rather than the club wanting to offload – perhaps there’s a ‘bit of both’ about it.

Despite having to be mindful of managing his well-being post-bad-injury in 2016, he’s more than a useful player to have in our ranks in my opinion. However, at 29 in October and with a strong belief that we’re not only going to swell the ranks of our midfield by one but by two – to include an attacking / creative midfielder as well as the defensive one I’ve just talked about – the decision may already have been made by both parties.

Chance of leaving in my opinion: 7/10

Would I like to see him stay? If we do get those two midfielders then, no; it probably is a good time to part company. If not, I’d like him to stay on another season.

Riyad Mahrez?

It wasn’t that long ago at all that it was looking a little ropey for the ex-Leicester man; sat, as he was, looking all frustrated and lost on the side as his colleagues were playing out of their skins on the pitch. It was, in truth, looking quite likely that the player might throw in a transfer request at the end of his first season with us.

But a little revival in the latter weeks – along with much love shown by Guardiola with the TV cameras ever-present for each moment – I think has turned the situation around dramatically. Still, I’ve put him on for all the former reasons.

Chance of leaving in my opinion: 1/10

Would I like to see him stay? Yes – needs another season to prove why we spent £50+M on him.

Leroy Sane?

Odd one this – it’s difficult for me to get my head around a player who has so much talent and loved by most could be possibly leaving. However, although Pep is probably the best man-manager around; there’s no getting away from the feeling that the young German is a little difficult to keep focussed at times and, perhaps, even the mighty Guardiola has worn-down all of his tools in respect of that.

I don’t THINK the player wants to leave but, then again, is he the sort of character who knows exactly what he wants? It did take him a little while to settle into his new surroundings when he first joined us and, therefore, there might still be a residual, underlying, long-term homesick issues. There certainly will be plenty of [big club] suitors lining up, I’m sure, and should he leave, I think that leaves us with a big ‘talent hole’ to fill squad / options wise!

Chance of leaving in my opinion: 5/10

Would I like to see him stay? Yes.

Gabriel Jesus?

This young man comes across to me as being as far away from a quitter as you can get and, so, if there is a move through the exit door this summer, then it’ll be because the manager will have told him that his chances are likely to be even more limited in the year(s) ahead. That’s not to say that they don’t see and appreciate his talents, I’m sure, but if the rumours are correct, it looks like a lot of City fans’ hopes are going to be fulfilled this summer; with a new forward / striker possibly coming into the club.

I am one of those City fans. However, I was disappointed to read the suggestion a few weeks ago that any incoming attacker would come at the cost of the Brazilian leaving. I know we have a wealth of attacking talent in our midfield / wing department and have players who can adapt to a more central, forward role when required. But fighting on 4 fronts as we are – and with Sergio approaching 32 at the end of next season - wouldn’t it be prudent to have Sergio+2 young attackers to rotate / cover / develop?

Chance of leaving in my opinion: 4/10

Would I like to see him stay? Yes.

Number of players from that list likely to leave on a permanent move?

5 – A keeper, a central defender that hasn’t featured, 1 that has, a versatile midfielder / converted left-wing-back and a central midfielder.

Other players who could be released, loaned out or sold:

-       Tosin Adarabioyo

-       Cameron Humphries

-       Pablo Mari

-       Daniel Arzani

-       Luke Brattan

-       Anthony Caceres

-       Aleix Garcia

-       Manu Garcia Alonso

-       Claudio Gomez

-       Yangel Herrera

-       Ko Itakura

-       Douglas Luiz

-       Felix Nmecha

-       Lukas Nmecha

-       Ante Palaversa (already agreed a 2^nd season loan at Hajduk Split as part of the deal when we signed him in January 2019 – our latest, potential, future defensive midfielder, apparently)

-       Ian (Carlo) Poveda

-       Patrick Roberts

-       Brandon Barker

-       Marlos Moreno

I’ll let you pick through those if you want to and decide who might be kept, released, loaned out or sold AND, of course, I bet there are loads of youth players I’ve not mentioned who could be added to that list also.

So…some reinforcement will be needed then.

Keeper?

It’s possible. And I am confused about reports that have been rumbling on for ages about a player called, Zack Steffen; the latest being that we HAVE agreed a deal to sign him…and that he’ll be joining us on a rather specific / random-sounding date of 9^th July 2019.

Zack Steffen

It would appear, then, that we have already – or will have - made our first purchase…or have we. If we have, then it’s ‘watch this space’ with regards to both Claudio & Aro.

What could impact of all of this wishy-washy stuff further, is that it’s been reported that Zack is struggling to get over a foot injury that he’s had for some time now…

Chances of signing a keeper: 5/10

Defenders?

Here’s a minefield!

Shall we start on the left? This is an area I and many Blues have been screaming to get resolved, not just in the last couple of seasons but for many, many seasons! But now, it appears it’s all down to the ‘Benny factor’. Should the LATEST treatment of the Frenchman’s knee be deemed a success, then we won’t be in the market for another / additional left-wing back; with the remoulding of Zinchenko. Those two, it would seem, should be enough to see us right. Fair enough…IF Mendy can stay fit. But would you like a scenario whereby the summer window closes; Mendy breaks down again, we have no Fabian Delph, which leaves us with just the young Ukrainian to ‘go with’ unless we drag Laporte over there again whenever needed? I wouldn’t.

Here are some of the less ridiculous prospects that have been bouncing around next to our club’s name in the last 18 months or so. Alex Sandro, Danny Rose, Juan Bernat, Faouzi Ghoulam, Ben Chilwell & Renan Lodi.

Chance of signing a left-wing back: 2/10

Matthijs de Ligt

Moving across to the centre, then, and a more-likely scenario…but with a few “what ifs” thrown in. First of all, the what ifs are in the form of youth players we have / have already tested, which include Tosin Adarabioyo, Eric Garcia & Phillipe Sandler. All have featured at some point for the first team and I believe that Pep sees promise in at least 2 of those. I’m not sure Tosin is a fit for the way Pep likes his central defenders to play and although he does get decent reviews, it’s not helped the lad’s cause that he was often played as a side defender for loan club West Bromwich Albion.

With Vinny gone, Nicholas possibly making a decision on his future in the coming weeks and John Stones seeing a little too much of the treatment room; I think a purchase is highly likely…and a big spend one too.

Harry Maguire

Names in the frame? Matthijs de Ligt & Harry Maguire appear to be the main targets, with Dan-Axel Zagadou & Samuel Umtiti also linked with the Blues (who isn’t?). I think either of the first two are quite likely and, without knowing for sure, that’s despite de Ligt & Maguire possibly having very different styles / attributes. As for the other two, Zagadou has the shorter contract than Umtiti by a year but has only been at Dortmund for 2 years. Samuel, on the other hand, looks to be surplus at Barcelona and is, apparently, being strongly pursued by Arsenal.

Chance of signing a central defender: 9/10

While on the right of the defence, this is an area that, before last season kicked off, not many Blues thought to be an issue. However, with Kyle Walkers’ flaky performances to say the least for the majority of the season and then, “only”, “Mr Steady” Danilo as a back-up; questions have been asked in recent months as to whether this is now an area for consideration. With a bit of a sigh after only signing Walker in July 2017, I have to agree.

Joao Cancelo

I think it’s just easier to list the less questionable links we’ve had in the last year or so…and there have been many. Benjamin Henrichs, Mario Gaspar, Joao Cancelo, Serge Aurier, AaronWan-Bissaka, Max Aarons & Reece James. If my records are all up-to-date, all those are contracted to either June 2022 & June 2023 and the strongest, more persistent link seems to be with Joao Cancelo.

Want a 36-year old freebie? Dani Alves is about to become a free agent.

Chances of signing a right-wing back: 6/10

Defensive midfield?

Perhaps the easiest question to answer, in terms of are we after someone at least. Rodrigo (Rodri) appears to be the firm favourite; he comes from our Manager’s very own Spain, is at a club who, apparently, needs to sell for whatever their reasons may be and comes with a price tag of around £65M, which seems reasonable these days if he’s going to fix a current issue and can become our new ‘anchor man’ for years to come.

Rodrigo

Tanguy Ndombele is another possibility by all accounts and a third one is a player whose price might be even out of OUR reach, due to being heavily contracted and English, which is West Ham United’s Declan Rice. Declan would certainly be a big capture when you consider that he is apparently just as comfortable as a central defender as he is as a defensive midfielder (2 for 1 might be worth splashing out more for!).

But if you want a “2 for 1” player in a similar vein, then Julian Weigl is often the subject of transfer speculation and has, of course, been linked with us for some time now. And with just 2 years left on his contract, he would likely come a lot cheaper than the price tag The Hammers are likely to stick on Declan.

Chances of signing a defensive midfielder: 10/10

Attacking / creative midfielder?

Not one that immediately springs to your mind as a “must have”? Well…I would sort of disagree with that.

Of course, when you look at the list that includes David Silva, Bernardo Silva, Kevin De Bruyne, Phil Foden & Ilkay Gundogan – with options also for other players to ‘slip in there’ when needed – there’s a good argument to say, “No, we don’t need another one”. But the wonderful David definitely wasn’t the player last season that he has been for us over the years and he does turn 34 in January (wow…where did those years go?!).

Bernardo is definitely more devastating on the wing in my opinion at the moment at least; Kevin could…COULD have more injury breakdowns next season (hope not of course), Phil is still learning and then you’re left with ‘not everyone’s cup of tea’ Ilkay, who might want a move this summer anyway.

And don’t forget, let’s keep ahead of the Jones; all of whom are SURE to spend big in the summer too!

So, once again, need an attacking / creative midfielder? Well, if Ilkay goes and looking at those other factors; I personally wouldn’t think it greedy for us to get two!

Names? Bruno Fernandes has already, apparently, been ruled out after very strong, recent links. But…I’m sticking him in there. Houssem Aouar is another one who has been linked with us in the last year or so too.

There is a ‘wildcard’ out there too but without knowing too much about him or his personally situation; there are vibes that he comes with a little bit of ‘head baggage’…and I’m not talking about him packing his headphones when he travels. Freebie (in the summer) Adrien Rabiot is apparently being pursued by both Arsenal & Manyoo but has been linked with us in the last 12 months too, if not recently. Apparently, the French central midfielder has been snarled up in contract wrangles with PSG for some time now.

Joao Felix

Here’s one I was going to include in the next / last category but I’ll fling him in here because he apparently plays either an attacking midfield / just behind the striker type-role just as well as he-apparently does as a striker himself. Joao Felix is his name and, if rumours are to be believed, we’ve not only had this 19-year old watched several times, we’ve been in talks to sign the Portuguese forward for some considerable time.

Chances of signing an attacking / creative midfielder: 10/10

Chances of signing two: 5/10

Another striker anyone?

Well there’s this kid called Joao Felix, right, and…

Moving on.

Antoine Griezmann

“Selling club” Atletico Madrid have a player some may have heard of called, Antoine Griezmann and transfer rumours just won’t seem to go away, despite being contracted to 2023; a contract he extended only 12 months ago.

’Sniffers United’ are apparently ‘in the market’ (WHY WOULD HE?!) and so are Barca. There hasn’t been any serious talk of a possible move to Manchester City in recent times but there have been trickles of information in the last couple of years, in fact, linking the French striker with us.

He’s only an inch taller than Sergio but whenever I’ve seen him play (not much I’ll be honest) he always gives me the impression of being a little taller; whilst still being highly skilful and dangerous in the box of course. He would come at HUGH price and, at 28-years of age, any move now would surely be his last big – or certainly penultimately big – move and, therefore, he’ll want a considerable wage packet & package otherwise.

Luka Jovic

Lastly, a young striker who’s a teammate of Joao Felix, although he has been out on loan in Germany (move now made permanent as from 17th April 2019), called Luka Jovic; a player who has as-apparently been monitored by us for some time too, along with a host of other top sides. Furthermore, as with Felix, we have seemingly been in discussions about signing the 5’ 11”, Serbian. It could be that a double-swoop is-indeed on; meaning that we’ll get a striker and an attacking midfielder-come-striker (perhaps with one staying out on loan as part of any deal)!

Number of players likely to be signed this summer?

5, possibly 6 - A keeper, a right-back, a central defender, a defensive midfielder, an attacking / creative midfielder and possibly a striker / forward.

5 out; 5, possibly 6 in.

Summer break

Well, that’s the third of my close-season trilogy blog-postings finished - not bad considering I’ve been terribly ill all week with suspected tonsillitis! Once again, I appreciate your time in visiting my blog and taking time to read.

Unless there’s anything worth a comment on, I’ll be taking a few months' break to 'draw breath' and refresh for next season. In the meantime, I wish you all a great summer whatever you may be doing and, wherever you are, I hope you get some good weather!

Bye for now.