Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City are chasing even more history in 2024/25.
After becoming the first team in English league history to win four successive league titles in 2023/24, the all-conquering Cityzens are chasing five on the bounce next season.
They’ll be remembered as one of the all-time great teams, and their ability to go again last term having won the treble in 2022/23 was remarkably impressive. Have they got one more in them?
This team will subtly evolve with staple performers potentially departing. However, City are never too far away from making a big splash in the transfer market.
Here’s what their starting lineup could look like for the 2024/25 campaign.
GK: Stefan Ortega – Having won the lot in Manchester, Ederson wants out this summer. The Brazilian, seemingly feeling undervalued towards the end of last season amid widespread praise for backup Ortega, could be on his way to the Saudi Pro League. If a move does go through, Ortega, who played a key role in City’s title win last term by denying Son Heung-min one-on-one, will assume number one duties.
CB: Manuel Akanji – The human calculator has proven to be one of the most astute pieces of business conducted by the Cityzens in recent years. Adept in multiple roles across the backline, Akanji is a robust but cool defender who thrives in an aggressive line. He’s emerged as a star of this City defence.
CB: Ruben Dias – 2023/24 wasn’t Dias’ best work, but he did come into his own towards the end of the season. While more error-prone than his defensive partners, Dias is a supreme box defender and the leader of this sky-blue defence.
CB: Josko Gvardiol – The Croatian thrived in an advanced left-back role down the stretch last term, with his sudden, unexpected goal streak helping Guardiola’s side to the title. Gvardiol had initially struggled to settle, but it now appears as if he’ll be a staple of this defence for years to come. However, with Guardiola poised to tinker again next term, Gvardiol could perform a more conservative role on the left side of the defence. Nathan Ake is another excellent option.
CM: John Stones – Like Dias, Stones endured somewhat of a drop-off last season and he wasn’t at his 2022/23 best at the Euros either. Guardiola has a litany of configurations at his disposal, but perhaps he could return to the system which brought so much success during the second half of their title-winning campaign. Stones thrived in the hybrid centre-back/central midfield function.
CM: Rodri – He did actually lose a football match to round off 2023/24, but his knack of winning carried over to the national team in the summer as he claimed Player of the Tournament honours during Spain’s successful Euro 2024 campaign.
RM: Savio – The Brazilian’s arrival may have manifested the worst of multi-club ownership, but hey, City are poised to benefit from Savio’s burgeoning talent after the winger played a starring role for surprise-package Girona last season. A technical dribbler adept off both flanks, Savio’s a free spirit but one that will likely facilitate less chaos than Jeremy Doku. While Doku had his moments during his debut campaign and could still play a big role for the Cityzens next season, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Savio quickly leaps ahead of the Belgian in the depth chart.
AM: Kevin De Bruyne – There’s scope for De Bruyne to play a slightly reduced role next season, especially if City acquire Dani Olmo. While there have been links with a move away, Guardiola has confirmed that his midfield powerhouse will remain at the Etihad.
AM: Phil Foden – Fresh off the back of the best season of his career, Foden came under heavy scrutiny at Euro 2024 and will relish being back at City. With De Bruyne missing a big chunk of 2023/24, Foden filled the void immensely and his knack of producing in the clutch ensured City claimed their fourth-straight league title. The Englishman remains a superstar despite an underwhelming Euros.
LM: Jack Grealish – All signs are pointing towards a Grealish remontada in 2024/25. He just needs to stay injury-free. The Englishman looks sharp in pre-season having endured a rough time of it last term. Doku usurped him down the stretch, but Guardiola will always prefer Grealish’s ability to retain possession in the final third over the Belgian’s speed.
ST: Erling Haaland – Haaland will be leading City’s line next season and still scoring lots of goals.
