MANCHESTER CITY
Title Odds 4/6
In Riyad Mahrez (Leicester, £60m), Philippe Sandler (PEC Zwolle, £2.2m), Daniel Arzani (Melbourne City, undisclosed)
Out Angus Gunn (Southampton, £13.5m), Olarenwaju Kayode (Shakhtar £2.6m), Yaya Toure (released), Luka Ilic (NAC Breda, loan), Erik Palmer-brown (NAC Breda, loan), Jack Harrison (Leeds, loan), Pablo Mari (Deportivo La Coruna, loan), Mix Diskerud (Ulsan, loan), Anthony Caceres (Melbourne City, loan), Lukas Nmecha, Brandon Barker (both Preston, loan), Tosin Adarabioyo (West Brom, loan) Net spend £46.1m What’s new?
Not much … but was there any need for it? Riyad Mahrez brings real quality and creativity to a squad already bursting at the seams with the stuff, Phil Foden looks ready to make (more of) a name for himself and a thrilling performance in the Community Shield suggests Pep Guardiola’s side are revved up and ready to go.
Most exciting signing Mahrez is clearly the most exciting but the fans will really enjoy watching the development of City’s youngsters. Foden, Brahim Diaz and a few others on the fringes should all get game time, particularly against the lesser lights.
How will they play?
An organised but freeflowing style, a structured but fluid formation, a high press, and always on the front foot. City adapt to their opponents but always look to dominate space and the ball.
Who has it all to prove?
Raheem Sterling could prove his doubters wrong with another goal-laden season (you would hope so anyway). His World Cup did not really go to plan but Guardiola got an enormous amount of him for City and will look for more of the same.
Who will be player of the year?
Kevin De Bruyne is one of the very best midfielders in world football and should only improve on his stellar performances last season.
Manager’s survival rating
Guardiola is not just at City to win things but to create a lasting legacy and give the club an identity. Whoever follows him will have a near-impossible task but the building blocks are in place and the title was only the start. Guardiola will leave when he wants but not this season.
10/10
If they were a World Cup side they would be …
Brazil, but better.