Transfer Window Ranking: Manchester City

With the transfer window slamming shut earlier this month, we’ve had time to sit back and analyse all the moves made by the top 6 Premier League teams in their attempt to bolster their squad.

Here’s our ranking for Manchester City.

Also read: Transfer Window Ranking: Arsenal

Arrivals:

• Erling Haaland (€60m)

• Kalvin Phillips (€49m)

• Sergio Gomez (€17.5m)

• Manuel Akanji (€13m)

• Stefan Ortega (€0m)

Departures:

• Gabriel Jesus (€52.2m)

• Raheem Sterling (€56.2m)

• Oleksandr Zinchenko  (€35m)

Analysis:

The signing of Haaland and returning loanee Alvarez has bolstered City’s attack. The duo have already impressed and won over the City fans, with the former already breaking goalscoring records. Haaland solves the most significant issue at City- the lack of a proper no9. Alvarez is an underrated player. Comfortable playing across the frontline and hence is likely to pick up a lot of game time.

They have strengthened in midfield with the signing of Kalvin Phillips, who adds some much-needed physicality to the team. Having played under Bielsa, Phillips has the experience of being a part of a possession-heavy team, and he has Premier League experience of big stadiums and high-pressure games as well, which shouldn’t faze him.

Sergio Gomez is a young talent who has the potential to become a Premier League-level full-back. Akanji’s signing was a bit of a surprise, but he is a decent defender and could provide cover in defence if needed.

Finally, Ortega is a solid ball-playing goalkeeper who will play the Cup games, and Zack Steffan goes on loan to get some first-team action.

Man City saw three major exits as Jesus, Sterling, and Zinchenko left to join Chelsea and Arsenal. Most fans expected Sterling and Jesus’ exit as they both wanted more first-team minutes that weren’t available at the Etihad. Zinchenko’s exit was a bit of a surprise, but again City has a clear policy of never forcing a player to stay. He wanted to try something different, and the club respected his wishes.

Jesus was exceptional to the end of last season and will be a miss, but Haaland and Alvarez will more than compensate. Sterling wasn’t a regular starter last season, and City has enough cover in the attacking areas. Zinchenko has been replaced by Gomes, which is a bit of a worry, but with Cancelo set to start at LB and Ake available for cover, the position has enough depth.

This team is better than the one that started last season and in all, it’s a spectacular window for City.

Final Ranking: A