Following a record fourth consecutive Premier League trophy triumph, Manchester City will be all out for a fifth title tilt during the 2024/25 campaign in what is rumoured to be manager Pep Guardiola’s last season, with the Spaniard understood to be evaluating his options.
There is no doubt that competition for the new term will be even fiercer with clubs around them likely to strengthen and, as a result, City will need to be in top form if they are to win it for fifth season in a row.
As a result, we have reviewed who the most important players will be for Guardiola if he is to achieve this. No doubt, there could be possible incomings and outgoings during the summer transfer window as well.
Erling Haaland
During his first season in the English top flight, the Norwegian centre-forward broke numerous records and blazed a trail, with teams unable to handle him, however his second campaign was curtailed by injury, while there is a suggestion that clubs may have worked him out. Last season, City’s goals came from other areas.
Despite this, Haaland is still a predatory striker when he is at the top of his game and there is no doubt that he will be a leading contender for the Golden Boot and you can find great odds at ggbet for him to achieve this (read on twitter). As such, he will certainly be a big player for the club during the 2024/25 season.
Phil Foden
While he perhaps underwhelmed for England at the European 2024 Championship, Foden was the club’s standout player last season and finally appeared to come of age. Over the last couple of years, he has developed more of a goal threat and this will be crucial if City are to add another Premier League title.
He appears to also have struck up a great relationship with Haaland, with the centre forward stretching opposition defences, leaving space for him to shoot from distance – something that didn’t happen for him in Germany for England. When he is on top of his game he is a dangerous threat and it is likely he will be a key player next term.
Ederson
Undoubtedly one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League, the Brazilian is arguably at the top of his game right now and has consistently proven to be one of the club’s most reliable players.
Pep Guardiola on Ederson’s future:
“I’d like him to stay but it depends on other clubs.”
Will the Brazilian leave Manchester City this summer?
🔗 https://t.co/8TY4hvlqES pic.twitter.com/5hZvs41KLc
— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) July 24, 2024
An excellent shot-stopper and great in one-on-one situations, he also has an effective command of his area and communicates brilliantly with his defence. Every club that wins the Premier League keeps clean sheets consistently and Ederson has proven to be one of the best in the world at this.
Ruben Dias
Having proven to be, arguably, one of the most important components of the Man City defence since his arrival from Portugal, the Portuguese international has gone on to prove himself as one of the best centre backs in the world since. His relationship with Ederson is also key due to the fact they both speak Portuguese.
Rodri
When he plays, his importance cannot be underestimated and he has become arguably the best in the world in his position and can read the game very well. Integral for City next season if he stays fit.
Jeremy Doku
Signed last summer from France, Doku has proven to be a revelation and, almost a direct replacement for Riyad Mahrez who departed for Saudi Arabia around the same time. Dokue gradually adapted to the English game and demonstrated his fine attacking ability with goals, assists and a penchant for beating his man.
This next season will be huge for Doku as he looks to push on and really establish himself as one of the best inside forwards in the Premier League and Guardiola will be looking for him to become a reliable goalscoring wide attacker who likes to cut inside.
He is still young and his ability is not in question, however, the next step is consistency – under Guardiola he can gradually develop this over the next campaign.
Kevin De Bruyne
The jury is out on whether he stays at City this season, after mild flirtations with Saudi Arabia, though there is no doubt whatsoever that he is an absolutely vital cog in the machine.
Arguably, still, one of the best players in the world in his position, though, due to his age, it could well be that a younger player is developed to play more game time this term.