Julián Alvarez has surprisingly left the Premier League champions, who have brought former captain Ilkay Gündogan back from Barcelona.
Manchester City became the first team in history to win the Premier League four times in succession in 2023/24, although their season ultimately ended in disappointment as they were knocked out of the Champions League in the quarterfinals by Real Madrid, and lost the FA Cup final to city rivals Manchester United.
Pep Guardiola has surprisingly lost Julián Álvarez over the summer, with the Argentinian international striker making an $82.98 million move to Atlético Madrid, the biggest transfer fee of the entire window. The 24-year-old scored 19 goals in all competitions but ended the campaign out of the team, which may have impacted his decision to leave.
Only two players have arrived, neither of whom is a direct replacement for Álvarez. Former captain Ilkay Gündogan returns to Manchester after a season in Barcelona, while Savinho, a right winger, joins from French side Troyes, one of the City Football Group’s subsidiaries.
Other than the ever-prolific Erling Haaland, Guardiola has no other senior striker on his roster.
Manchester City incomings in summer 2024 transfer window
Savinho (Troyes) - €25 million / $27.66 million
Ilkay Gündogan (Barcelona) - free transfer
Manchester City outgoings in summer 2024 transfer window
Julián Álvarez (Atlético Madrid) - €75 million / $82.98 million
João Cancelo (Al-Hilal) - €25 million / $27.66 million
Taylor Harwood-Bellis (Southampton) - €23 million / $25.45 million
Liam Delap (Ipswich) - €15 million / $16.6 million
Sergio Gómez (Real Sociedad) - €9 million / €9.96 million
Tommy Doyle (Wolves) - €5 million / $5.53 million
Yan Couto (Borussia Dortmund) - loan
Kalvin Phillips (Ipswich) - loan
Máximo Perrone (Como) - loan
Given they have retained the nucleus of the squad that has performed so well in recent seasons, City will again be the team to beat in the Premier League.
The fact they don’t have an out-and-out backup for Haaland may raise eyebrows, but Guardiola has shown his willingness to play without a recognised striker in the past, which means he will no doubt have a plan B up his sleeve.
Deeadlrst
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Wcs waryaa
modacnopty
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We have Oscar Bobb
No we don't. He's out injured until January
micdiklos
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Good
micdiklos
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moscdeoy
1
With all the money city made in the transfer window they couldn’t even get a back up striker for Haaland we also need a backup for Rodri this guys are becoming stingy
Nico Reilly is the back up for Rodri while Foden, mcAtee and Gundogan could play a false nine role
Tecacelnos
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With all the money city made in the transfer window they couldn’t even get a back up striker for Haaland we also need a backup for Rodri this guys are becoming stingy
Gundogan is back, he did play in Rodri's position before and we have Kovacic
pisabmoy
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Lion messi
Jukacmnpy
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With all the money city made in the transfer window they couldn’t even get a back up striker for Haaland we also need a backup for Rodri this guys are becoming stingy
For Rodri we have Kovacic who equally does a good job
Lovebug2
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City sold Alvarez for €82 million ang got Gundo who is better than Alvarez for nothing 👌👌👌 this is business
NGwins
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Good business for City. They definitely have a back up plan for Haaland, just watch out.
powbcempsy
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With all the money city made in the transfer window they couldn’t even get a back up striker for Haaland we also need a backup for Rodri this guys are becoming stingy
We have Oscar Bobb
Blaqpablo
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With all the money city made in the transfer window they couldn’t even get a back up striker for Haaland we also need a backup for Rodri this guys are becoming stingy
kovacic is the back up to Rodri... guardiola can use a false 9 when Haaland isn't available
cuuadensty
5
With all the money city made in the transfer window they couldn’t even get a back up striker for Haaland we also need a backup for Rodri this guys are becoming stingy