Discover the strengths and standout features of Manchester City’s 2023/24 squad in our in-depth analysis. From a formidable midfield to solid defense and attacking firepower, explore what makes Guardiola’s team a force to be reckoned with in the current season.
Transfers
Arrivals
| Josko Gvardiol | Centre-Back | 21 | Croatia | RB Leipzig | €90.0m |
| Matheus Nunes | Central Midfield | 25 | Portugal | Wolves | €62.0m |
| Jeremy Doku | Right Winger | 21 | Belgium | Stade Rennais | €60.0m |
| Mateo Kovacic | Central Midfield | 29 | Croatia | Chelsea | €30.0m |
Manchester City’s bought only 4 players, however they have made significant investments. Their summer signings include Josko Gvardiol from RB Leipzig (€90.0m) to bolster their defense, Matheus Nunes from Wolves (€62.0m) and Mateo Kovacic from Chelsea (€30.0m) to strengthen midfield. Belgian winger, Jeremy Doku from Stade Rennais (€60.0m) also joined to add flair to their attack. These moves reflect City’s commitment to staying competitive in all competitions.
Notable departures
| Cole Palmer | Attacking Midfield | 21 | England | Chelsea | €47.0m |
| Riyad Mahrez | Right Winger | 32 | Algeria | Al-Ahli | €35.0m |
| Aymeric Laporte | Centre-Back | 29 | Spain | Al-Nassr | €27.5m |
| Yangel Herrera | Central Midfield | 25 | Venezuela | Girona | €5.0m |
| Ilkay Gundogan | Central Midfield | 32 | Germany | Barcelona | free transfer |
| Benjamin Mendy | Left-Back | 29 | France | FC Lorient | free transfer |
| Joao Cancelo | Right-Back | 29 | Portugal | Barcelona | loan transfer |
Manchester City witnessed a series of departures during the summer transfer window. Notably, promising talent Cole Palmer moved to Chelsea for €47.0 million, while veteran Riyad Mahrez transferred to Al-Ahli for €35.0 million. Aymeric Laporte joined Al-Nassr for €27.5 million, Yangel Herrera departed for City Group owned Girona for €5.0 million, and Ilkay Gundogan made a free transfer to Barcelona. Joao Cancelo also joined the Catalan club on a loan transfer. Additionally, Benjamin Mendy left for FC Lorient as a free transfer. These moves signal both changes and opportunities for City as they adapt their squad for future challenges.
Squad
Manager: Pep Guardiola
| No. | Pos. | Nation | Player |
| 2 | DF | ENG | Kyle Walker (Senior leader) |
| 3 | DF | POR | Rúben Dias (Senior leader) |
| 4 | MF | ENG | Kalvin Phillips |
| 5 | DF | ENG | John Stones |
| 6 | DF | NED | Nathan Aké |
| 8 | MF | CRO | Mateo Kovačić |
| 9 | FW | NOR | Erling Haaland |
| 10 | MF | ENG | Jack Grealish |
| 11 | MF | BEL | Jérémy Doku |
| 13 | GK | USA | Zack Steffen |
| 16 | MF | ESP | Rodri (Senior leader) |
| 17 | MF | BEL | Kevin De Bruyne (Senior leader) |
| 18 | GK | GER | Stefan Ortega |
| 19 | FW | ARG | Julián Álvarez |
| 20 | MF | POR | Bernardo Silva (Senior leader) |
| 21 | DF | ESP | Sergio Gómez |
| 24 | DF | CRO | Joško Gvardiol |
| 25 | DF | SUI | Manuel Akanji |
| 27 | MF | POR | Matheus Nunes |
| 31 | GK | BRA | Ederson |
| 33 | GK | ENG | Scott Carson |
| 47 | MF | ENG | Phil Foden |
| 52 | MF | NOR | Oscar Bobb |
| 82 | DF | ENG | Rico Lewis |
Manchester City’s squad boasts a blend of experience and youthful talent across the field. In defense, stalwarts like Kyle Walker, Rúben Dias, and John Stones provide stability, while Nathan Aké and Joško Gvardiol offer depth and promise.
Even though KDB is injured for a while, the midfield is enriched by the likes of Mateo Kovačić, Jack Grealish and Rodri, providing creative brilliance and solid control of the game.
Upfront, Erling Haaland, Julián Álvarez, and the versatile Jérémy Doku ensure a potent attacking force, complemented by the playmaking abilities of Bernardo Silva and Phil Foden.
With this squad, Manchester City possesses a well-rounded team capable of excelling in all areas of the pitch, making them strong contenders in domestic and international competitions. Another Champions League trophy incoming?
Possible Starting 11
Ederson is City’s number one goalkeeper, no question here. Walker has been most games at RB this season, but this is possibly due to Akanji being forced to play CB, as Stones is injured. Ruben Dias is the heart of the defense, Gvardiol plays both CB and LB depending on the match. Ake is similar.
In midfield, Rodri and Matheus Nunes seems to be starting most games, however Kovacic is also playing often. Due to KDB’s injury, Julian Alvarez is playing as CAM, he is an attacker by trade though. City has lots of options for the wings, apart from Bernardo Silva and Foden, we also see Doku and Grealish playing. Up top it’s Haaland.