Man City confirm more transfers will happen this summer, but which positions need strengthening?

Manchester City’s chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak confirmed on Monday that the club are not done in the transfer market this summer, despite wrapping up a few deals already.

The Premier League champions already confirmed the arrivals of Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez, both of whom will be unveiled as City players later this summer and be part of the 2022/23 squad.

Speaking in an extended interview with club media, Al Mubarak said: “I can confirm that there will be more players coming in.

“We are looking to strengthen the team in the areas that we need strengthening. As you know, every season some players leave, and then we have to continuously refresh the team.

“Again, we will always look at improving and strengthening. I think we’ve made two very important additions already, but I anticipate we’ll be doing a couple more.

“We’ll try to go as fast as we can, but you know how the market goes. It’s not always entirely in our control.”

Where do City need to strengthen?

Despite the abundance of talent at Pep Guardiola’s disposal, City limped over the line a tad in the Premier League title race, with a spate of injuries in the relatively small squad having a big impact on the final few games.

It’s why recruiting a few extra numbers this summer is so vital, especially if the Sky Blues want to challenge for multiple trophies next term.

The departure of Fernandinho creates an obvious void that must be filled, with Rodri now the only defensive midfielder available.

ManchesterWorld understands Kalvin Phillips is among the names being discussed to replace the Brazilian, while Matheus Nunes, Frenkie de Jong and Enzo Fernandez are other midfielders who have been linked with a switch to the Etihad.

City also have issues in defence and finished last season with just three full-backs and need more options next term. Given that Joao Cancelo can play on either flank, there’s less concern surrounding whether City need to bring in a right-back or left-back.

However, it’s the latter which has generated more transfer rumours in recent weeks, with Marc Cucurella linked, as has AC Milan defender Theo Hernandez.

Another area where City could look for reinforcements is up front. The signing of Haaland means the team are likely to revert back to a system containing a natural centre-forward, and the Norwegian may need back-up.

But reports are thin on the ground when it comes to a striker, and a return for Harry Kane seems unlikely this summer.

What could change those plans?

City seem well stocked when it comes to goalkeeper, centre-back, attacking midfielders and wingers, but that could all change very quickly.

Several key players such as Ilkay Gundogan, Gabriel Jesus and Raheem Sterling have been linked with moves away from the club, and any major departures would result in City reassessing their transfer priorities.

For instance, should Jesus or Sterling leave, City could look to add another winger, or Oleksandr Zinchenko moving on might see the club bring in two left-backs rather than one.