So how do you make the best better?
WHEN City submit their squad for next season’s Premier League campaign, they will hope for some new names to aid what should be the defence of their title.
There looks likely to be some departures in the summer, and potentially some high-profile additions.
Starting with the players who could leave, City have three out of contract. Eric Garcia this week reiterated his intention to exit the Etihad, even though he has had no contact with his No.1 choice of destination Barcelona.
Sergio Aguero and Fernandinho are the other two players out of contract. Pep Guardiola insists nothing will be decided until the end of the season regarding the future of the two stalwarts, with the stance on Aguero that he has the right to decide how his career at City ends.
Fernandinho’s performances when called upon this season have been good enough to warrant another year, while a fully-fit Aguero is also worth keeping.
However, it’s been a frustrating year for the Argentine, and he may decide to go elsewhere for the final years of his career.
With possible clues over his unhappiness and links to Barcelona, Aguero may decide to leave for pastures new. Whether he leaves this summer or next, City know they need a replacement.
They have the money to sign Lionel Messi, should he decide to leave the Nou Camp. Any move would likely be a free transfer, but the outlay on wages and other financial commitments connected with the Argentine mean it wouldn’t be a cheap deal for the Blues.
It would be tempting to sign Messi, who would unlock more commercial avenues for the Blues, and City fans would love to see the best player in the world do his thing at the Etihad.
If we’re looking at an ideal Premier League squad for next season, Messi would undoubtedly be on it.
And so would Erling Haaland.
His signing would make for an expensive summer, but this is a world-class striker who might only be available this year. With family connections to City, and the Blues having an ambition that matches his own, Haaland would fit well at the Etihad. The issue will be whether Haaland sees himself at City when there is likely to be a huge amount of competition for his signature.
As far as an ideal signing goes, though, he’s exactly that. If City were to sign either Messi or Haaland it would go down as a successful summer. Both would be dreamland.
To afford them both, maybe letting Aguero leave to free up some wages might help.
So, for an ideal Premier League squad, Messi and Haaland would replace Garcia and Aguero. One further signing would be to make Scott Carson’s loan move perma
If City were to sign either Messi or Haaland it would go down as a successful summer
Joe Bray
nent - he won’t play, but is a valuable member of the coaching staff and fills a useful homegrown spot.
League rules state City can name a maximum of 17 players who aren’t homegrown, with potential additions of Messi and Haaland included in that group.
Rules also allow players under the age of 21 to be eligible over and above the main squad, so Phil Foden could be left out of the main group for another season. After that, he will count as a homegrown player, potentially replacing Fernandinho if he were to leave.
The only other potential change for next season could be a new left-back if Benjamin Mendy was to leave after another unconvincing season.