Ready for a fresh chapter: Manchester City geared up to embark on a new phase minus star player De Bruyne
Manchester City is gearing up for the 2025-26 season with a renewed sense of optimism, despite the anticipated absence of Kevin De Bruyne for the first time in a decade. The club has bolstered their squad with several significant signings, aiming to fill key positions and maintain tactical flexibility under Pep Guardiola.
The anticipated return of Ballon d'Or winner Rodri and scoring machine Erling Haaland gives cause for optimism. However, Haaland's performance dropped slightly last season, scoring 31 goals across all competitions, a decrease from previous seasons, but still demonstrating his lethal scoring ability.
City has strengthened their squad with the addition of James Trafford (goalkeeper), Rayan Cherki (right winger), Tijjani Reijnders (central midfielder), and Rayan Aït-Nouri (left back). These signings are expected to compensate for losses and provide tactical flexibility, with Ait-Nouri reinforcing the left-back position, while Reijnders and Cherki were signed in the hope that they could replace De Bruyne's creative spark in midfield.
Pep Guardiola aims to improve on last season's third-place finish and restore Manchester City to their former glory. The manager has expressed optimism about the squad but warned that the 2025-26 season may not be easy. Guardiola did not set any specific targets for the season, stating that success depends on the team's performance and the opponents' quality.
The manager's contract with Manchester City extends until June 2027. City has several players competing for the striker support position, including Marmoush, Phil Foden, Jeremy Doku, Savinho, Oscar Bobb, and Rayan Cherki. The team is expected to maintain a possession-based style focused on measured progression into the final third rather than forcing chances, emphasizing control and rhythm to offset the loss of creative influence from De Bruyne.
Key tactical evolution this season involves new in-possession strategies and progression with control, aided by assistant coach Pepijn Lijnders, aiming to sustain Manchester City’s identity of methodical buildup and adaptability to opponents’ pressures. The fullbacks and wide players will have increased importance in providing width, as City's playing style is expected to become narrower up front to optimize the squad's setup.
Manchester City will face tough competition from champions Liverpool, Arsenal, and Chelsea, all of whom have been big spenders in the transfer window. The club continues to face a cloud as they face 115 charges of breaking Premier League financial regulations, with the verdict expected during the October international break.
Last season, City spent 180 million pounds ($241.72 million) on Omar Marmoush, Abdukodir Khusanov, Nico Gonzalez, and Vitor Reis. Guardiola stated that the season would not be a "red carpet" season, and there will always be problems to overcome. City has always denied any wrongdoing.
[1] BBC Sport, 2025, Manchester City: Pep Guardiola targets trophy haul after summer spending
[2] The Guardian, 2025, Manchester City: Pep Guardiola eyes tactical evolution as he targets Premier League title
[3] Sky Sports, 2025, Man City: Pep Guardiola outlines new-look City tactics for 2025-26 season
[4] ESPN FC, 2025, Manchester City: Pep Guardiola hails squad strengthening as he targets Premier League title
The squad's new additions, including James Trafford, Rayan Cherki, Tijjani Reijnders, and Rayan Aït-Nouri, are expected to compensate for the loss of Kevin De Bruyne and provide tactical flexibility, with Ait-Nouri reinforcing the left-back position and Cherki possibly filling De Bruyne's creative midfield role. In an effort to carry on their dominance in European-leagues and regain the Premier-League title, Manchester City is targeting a trophy haul after significant summer signings.
