Analysing Manchester City’s summer transfer window

Analysing Manchester City’s summer transfer window

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The summer transfer window was always going to be an important one for Manchester City, with new manager Pep Guardiola looking to build a side befitting his lofty standards.

What Was Needed

After a season of turbulent defending, City have been active in the search for another centre-back.

The injury to Vincent Kompany and the poor form of Eilaquim Mangala and Martin Demichelis meant The Citizens would have to dig into their deep pockets to sign a world-class centre-half.

The Sky Blues were also in the hunt for a striker to serve as back-up to Sergio Aguero and Kalechi Iheanacho following a proverbial no-show from Wilfried Bony last season.

Additionally, Guardiola was looking to replace the ageing Yaya Toure in the centre of midfield.

What They Got

The first player to sign under the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager’s reign was central-midfielder Ilkay Gundogan, who made the switch from Borussia Dortmund.

Spanish forward Nolito was signed from Celta Vigo in a cut-price deal shortly after, following a promising individual performance at Euro 2016.

Young German talent Leroy Sane signed for the Citizens in a high-profile move that saw him leave Schalke for the first time since turning professional.

John Stones was another big money signing for City, making him the second most expensive defender in history.

Claudio Bravo was acquired from Barcelona in the final days of the transfer window to replace the out-of-favour Joe Hart.

Oleksandr Zinchenko, Marlos Moreno, Gabriel Jesus and Australia’s Aaron Mooy also made their way to the Etihad Stadium but were subsequently let out on loan.

What Was Spent

In his first season at the club, Guardiola is rumoured to have spent approximately £150m while receiving virtually nothing from their sales.

Gundogan and Nolito arrived for a combined price of £34m while Claudio Bravo cost The Sky Blues just under half that amount.

Moreno and Zinchenko did not cost much, with a little less than £5m, and £2m spent on the youngsters, respectively .

It was the arrival of John Stones and Leroy Sane who shook off most of City’s transfer fund.

The signing of Stones from Everton set back City around £48m, while young starlet Leroy Sane cost just shy of £40m.

Overview

While City have not been shy to splash the cash this season, it must be said that they have spent their money wisely.

Guardiola has strengthened his side in all of the right areas, bringing in some star-studded names in the progress.

We are yet to see Gundogan and Sane take the field in Sky Blue colours, as they have beensidelined with injury.

The likes of John Stones and Nolito have already fit into Guardiola’s first-team plans.

Bravo, who is likely to feature in City’s next match, has the ability to make a big impact in the City goal and the Chilean international is surely a step-up from the now departed Joe Hart.

Grade: A+

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