Manchester City endured a difficult 2024/25 campaign, failing to win the English Premier League for the first time since 2019/20, as they finished third in the table, and not winning any major trophy for the first time since 2016/17.
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The Citizens made a plethora of signings ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup, which they have now been eliminated from in the round of 16 by Al Hilal, and Pep Guardiola will undoubtedly be aiming for further additions to the squad ahead of their season opener against Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Molineux Stadium.
Here, we look at how Man City could line-up in their first game of the 2025/26 season.
Potential Line-Up For 2025/26 Season Opener
GK – Ederson
- Ederson is arguably the perfect goalkeeper for a Guardiola team, as the Brazilian is an adept shot stopper and excels with the ball at his feet, which is crucial for how Man City are able to play out from the back.
RB – Matheus Nunes
- Nunes was initially signed as a midfielder but was converted to right-back last season, and the Portuguese international has taken to his new position brilliantly. Nunes’s ability to drive with the ball makes for a perfect option to hug the touchline for Man City, allowing the right-winger to cut inside and combine with the more central players.
CB – Ruben Dias
- Dias is one of the best central defenders in the Premier League, with an aggressive defending style and his superb ability on the ball making him a crucial part of this Man City team.
CB – Josko Gvardiol
- Similarly to Dias, Gvardiol has cemented himself as one of the league’s best defenders, with his phenomenal ability on the ball matched by his superb defensive abilities, and the Crotian is certainly one to watch this campaign.
LB – Rayan Ait-Nouri
- The first of the new signings, Ait-Nouri offers much of the same as Nunes on the other side, with a strong athletic presence to hold the width while also possessing the technical ability to combine in the advanced areas.
CM – Bernardo Silva
- Guardiola has recently announced Silva as the new Man City captain, and having thrived in this more central role during the Club World Cup and parts of last season, the midfielder is certain to start the first game of the campaign.
CM – Rodri
- Rodri was absent for much of last campaign due to a severe injury, but the Spaniard has returned with limited action in recent weeks and could be on course to start the season, though Nico Gonzalez is a capable replacement if needed. Arguably the best defensive midfielder in world football, Rodri’s calming presence is key to their style of play on the ball, while his ability to quickly stop counter attacks is vital in helping Man City avoid conceding on the break – which they were vulnerable to in his absence.
CM – Tijjani Reijnders
- Ilkay Gundogan has often appeared in this position for Man City, and Reijnders looks set to be the ideal replacement for the veteran German. Reijnders possesses much of the same athleticism and on-the-ball ability as a younger Gundogan, while his ability to break forward and score goals could also be key.
RW – Rayan Cherki
- One of the most exciting players on the planet, Cherki has already shown glimpses of his brilliance for Man City at the Club World Cup. His double-footed nature means he is perfect for this wide position, allowing him to go down the outside or cut inside and shoot or provide an assist – a potentially perfect partner for Erling Haaland.
ST – Erling Haaland
- Undoubtedly one of the best striker’s in the world, Haaland could thrive with the added creativity that Man City have signed in the window so far, which will allow the striker to focus solely on scoring and less on helping in the build-up.
LW – Jeremy Doku
- Doku offers much of the same as Cherki, with the ability to drive down the outside and cross or come inside and get a shot on goal or combine with the other attacking players – with this on show in his more central role during the Club World Cup.
Other Potential Signings
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Manchester City have already been extremely busy in the transfer market, but their recent exit from the Club World Cup to Al Hilal may mean Guardiola demands more signings ahead of the new season.
The Citizens have been linked with further midfield reinforcements, with reports suggesting they are monitoring Atalanta’s Ederson and Barcelona’s Fermin Lopez.
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