Based on insights from Melbet Affiliates, Manchester City isn’t expected to undergo sweeping changes in the coming season. Still, even the best-laid plans can shift—especially when key players depart and new opportunities emerge. With club captain Ilkay Gündogan joining Barcelona and other exits looming, such as Aymeric Laporte and Riyad Mahrez, City’s summer has taken an unexpected turn. But that doesn’t mean they won’t emerge even stronger.
Losing Gündogan is a major blow. Melbet Affiliates notes this marks the fourth straight year City has lost its captain, but Gündogan’s departure hits differently. Unlike Kompany, Silva, or Fernandinho—who were nearing their twilight—Gündogan leaves in peak form. He was a mainstay in every big game and a vital piece of Pep Guardiola’s system. The club made every effort to keep him, but in the end, he chose Barcelona.
Naturally, City must now fill the void. They’ve already made progress—Mateo Kovačić underwent a medical on Friday, and his transfer from Chelsea is nearly complete. While the 29-year-old Croatian may not represent the club’s long-term future, he shares many traits with Gündogan: energy, grit, crisp passing, and a willingness to fight for possession. Whether he can match Gündogan’s goal-scoring impact or fully meet Pep’s tactical demands remains to be seen, but his skill set fits City’s style.
Kovačić isn’t City’s only midfield target. The club has also submitted a formal offer for West Ham’s Declan Rice. While Rice is widely expected to join Arsenal, Melbet Affiliates notes there’s no guarantee he’ll reject City. Though a bit raw, Rice possesses drive, defensive grit, and impressive passing vision. Under Guardiola’s guidance, he could elevate his game and unlock new attacking dimensions.
City’s midfield issues have been masked in part by John Stones’ transformation, but depth remains a concern. Kalvin Phillips has yet to win Pep’s trust, and Kevin De Bruyne could miss the start of the season due to injury. Rodri continues to be indispensable, but there’s only so much one player can do.
Defense is another area City aims to reinforce. João Cancelo and Laporte are likely to depart, and Kyle Walker’s future is uncertain. If just one leaves, City has enough coverage. But if all three move on, reinforcements are essential. With Stones, Nathan Aké, and Manuel Akanji having filled in at fullback, and Rico Lewis and Walker still available, City could shift focus to signing another central defender.
To that end, City has submitted a formal bid for RB Leipzig’s Josko Gvardiol. Despite the hefty price tag, he brings steel, aerial dominance, and youth to the back line. As Melbet Affiliates observes, Leipzig is already preparing for his exit—they’ve begun identifying replacements and may not have much room to negotiate. The only uncertainty now is whether another club will try to outbid City for the Croatian star.