Kevin De Bruyne verdict, Bruno Guimaraes signs, Jack Grealish ruling, and City’s dream XI next season

Manchester City is currently in the process of assembling their squad for the upcoming season, with the goal of defending their Premier League title and reclaiming their Champions League title.

Manchester City are eight weeks away from the 2024/25 season opener at Wembley against Manchester United in the Community Shield, and five weeks from their first pre-season exhibition.

The time to construct a City squad that is prepared to assault the new season is restricted, and the futures of numerous players are uncertain, as there is still a month of international football to come.

Ederson, Kevin De Bruyne, and Bernardo Silva are all being linked with high-profile exits, while some peripheral players are also being mentioned as potential transfers away from the Etihad. Some prospective incomings include a new left-back or a new midfielder.

Therefore, when City face United at Wembley, their first-choice XI may be impeded by players who have participated in the Copa America and Euro 2024. However, their most formidable lineup for the upcoming season will have evolved by that time.

The custodian department is now secure as Stefan Ortega has signed a new contract. City will be hoping that Ederson will remain in order to maintain the strongest one-two combination of ‘keepers in the division.

John Stones has the opportunity to regain some form in defence during the Euros, with the objective of unseating Manu Akanji from the position of centre back. Stones and Ruben Dias continue to be the most formidable partnership; however, Akanji’s performance over the past two seasons has jeopardised this status to the extent that Stones was unable to secure a spot in the squad at the conclusion of the most recent campaign.

Kyle Walker has acknowledged that his playing time will decrease as he ages, which could provide an opportunity for Stones or Akanji to transition to midfield and play at full-back. Nathan Ake and Josko Gvardiol will continue to compete for the left-back position, and any combination of the six defenders mentioned will form a formidable back four.

Rico Lewis is a suitable choice for either position, or as a number eight in the forward position. A potential full-back signing could be beneficial to provide coverage on the left in the event that Sergio Gomez departs.

Rodri remains the league’s premier midfielder, and his primary objective this summer will be to identify an appropriate rotation option that will allow him to recuperate his legs. Bruno Guimaraes is considered a potential replacement or successor to Kevin De Bruyne. However, Pep Guardiola has described him as a high-quality holding midfielder, which could suggest how City would employ a player of his calibre.

Guimaraes is believed to have a £100 million release clause that is set to terminate this month. Alternatively, City could attempt to negotiate a lower price by engaging in negotiations with Newcastle in July. His name is one of the most thrilling associated with the Etihad and would provide a sense of substance to an area that requires revitalization in the upcoming transfer windows.

De Bruyne may be as significant as any new acquisition if he remains. He acknowledges that the financial incentives associated with a transfer to Saudi Arabia are appealing; however, City would prefer to retain their talisman at the Etihad for at least one additional year. His quality in the box and match-winning moments remained as critical as ever, despite the fact that his performance levels may have fluctuated during his return from injury late last season.

After receiving conformation from his agent this week, Erling Haaland will remain at City for at least another season. Julian Alvarez will be responsible for providing adequate backup for the number nine, or De Bruyne. Jack Grealish must recover from a disappointing season and a severe rejection from the Euros. He should commence the season on the left side.

Nevertheless, the extent to which he remains there will depend on a variety of factors. Phil Foden would pose a significant challenge on the left, particularly if De Bruyne remains, as would Jeremy Doku, who concluded the season in impressive fashion. In the event that Bernardo Silva remains, he could potentially assume control of the right wing. Despite the murmurs of another summer departure, Bernardo remains untouchable in the most significant games.

Therefore, Grealish will be required to demonstrate his worthiness during the preseason and convince Guardiola that he is deserving of his position upon the return of his colleagues from the tournaments. The title defence would be significantly bolstered by a completely fit and firing Grealish. Nevertheless, the manager would be plagued by the combination of wingers and attackers every week.

Man City ideal XI: Ederson, Walker, Stones, Dias, Gvardiol; Rodri, Guimaraes, De Bruyne; Foden, Bernardo, Haaland.