Manchester City summer transfers: Potential starting XI for 2022/23

Manchester City are gearing up for another Premier League title defence as Pep Guardiola looks to win a fifth crown in six seasons.

City wrapped the 2021/22 title on the final day of the season, sensationally coming from 2-0 down to beat Aston Villa 3-2 at a packed and frenetic Etihad Stadium.

But rather than rest on their laurels, City are already working on upgrades to their squad for next season, with an agreement in place for one of the hottest striking properties the modern game has seen.

Here's how they could line up in the 2022/23 season.


Man City 2022/23 goalkeepers

City's goalkeeper options are as strong as any in the division, with Ederson and Zack Steffen happy and settled at the Etihad.

Signing a third-choice goalkeeper could be on the agenda relatively soon, given Scott Carson is still chugging along in that role, but there haven't really been any links to suggest a new stopper is on the horizon.

The Premier League champions do a lot worse than chasing Real Madrid-linked Gabriel Slonina, who looks like the future of USMNT goalkeeping and currently plays in MLS for Chicago Fire.


Man City 2022/23 defenders

City's one weak spot for want of a better phrase is at left-back. And by weak, 90min means Joao Cancelo - a world-class player who has turned into an incredible asset in that role, but is actually a right-back by trade.

Oleksandr Zinchenko and Nathan Ake have filled in on occasions, but the former is far more comfortable in midfield - that's where he plays Ukraine - while the latter is central defender who has slid over on occasion because he can kick with his left peg.

As a result, Brighton's Marc Cucurella as emerged as a potential target, with the Spaniard hugely impressive during 2021/22. Elsewhere, Ruben Dias, Aymeric Laporte and John Stones look to have the centre-back roles locked down, and Kyle Walker remains a top class right-back.


Man City 2022/23 midfielders

City's real strength in depth is in the centre of the park, although plans are afoot to make sure they continue to build rather than stagnate.

Rodri provides a great screen in front of the back four but club captain and backup Fernandinho will depart the club in the summer after many years of great service. That could lead to a move for Leeds' Kalvin Phillips, who is likely to be far cheaper than West Ham's Declan Rice - who has also been linked. Ruben Neves of Wolves is also available at a far better price.

Ilkay Gundogan's future is uncertain despite his final day heroics, meanwhile, but there's a more stable base of Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva to call upon. Even Phil Foden can drop in if necessary in more of a quarterback role.

One thing's for sure, City will invest - chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak has already outlined that intention.


Listen now to 90min's brand new podcast, Talking Transfers, with Scott SaundersGraeme Bailey & Toby Cudworth. This week they discuss whether Sadio Mane will leave Liverpool for Bayern Munich, Manchester United's pursuit of Benfica striker Darwin Nunez, Newcastle's plans for Moussa Diaby and Sven Botman & Jorginho's future at Chelsea.


Man City 2022/23 forwards

A deal in principle has been agreed for Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland, with just a few formalities to complete before that move is finalised, while River Plate starlet Julian Alvarez has already signed on the dotted line.

There's also a chance that outstanding AC Milan forward Rafael Leao could make his way to the Premier League, having helped steer the Rossoneri to their first Serie A title since 2011.

Foden, Jack Grealish, Riyad Mahrez, Gabriel Jesus and Raheem Sterling are among the riches at City's forward disposal, but there's a fair chance that one, if not two, of the latter three will move on this summer.

Impressive young Cole Palmer could also get a look in if Guardiola decides to build on the foundations of his already steady development.


Man City 2022/23 potential starting XI

  • (GK) Ederson
  • (RB) Joao Cancelo, (CB) Ruben Dias, (CB) Aymeric Laporte, (LB) Marc Cucurella
  • (CM) Kevin De Bruyne, (CM) Kalvin Phillips (CM) Bernardo Silva
  • (RW) Phil Foden, (ST) Erling Haaland, (LW) Rafael Leao

Source : 90min