Kevin De Bruyne replacement, possible goalkeeper rethink - who Man City need to sign this summer

Manchester City will use this summer's transfer window to strengthen their armoury in a bid to try and clinch a fifth successive Premier League title next season.

After being pushed every step of the way by Arsenal, City reached the finish line first in 2023/24 to secure a fourth successive crown. They beat West Ham United 3-1 on the final day of the season to get the job done and secure a sixth league title of the Pep Guardiola era.

Ahead of the transfer window opening for business on Friday, City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak has warned that he expects Premier League clubs to be quieter in this summer's window than in previous years. The league has tightened its financial rules, meaning there is less room for financial errors.

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However, that will not stop City from attempting to add fresh legs to their ranks. But what do our writers believe the Blues should be focusing on most this summer? Below, each of them have had their say.

Joe Bray

With Stefan Ortega's contract renewal, the concerns over the goalkeeping department have been eased, even if Ederson's future remains slightly uncertain. Defence seems well-stocked, although the annual questions over whether City need a proper left-back will surely resurface at some point this summer.

With Real Madrid signing Kylian Mbappe, the door looks closed (for now) on Erling Haaland or Julian Alvarez moving to the Bernabeu. So that leaves midfield.

Kevin De Bruyne's recent comments are a reminder that he will leave at some point in the next couple of years, while Bernardo Silva's future will always be a talking point. And Rodri needs better competition at number six. So a midfielder - either number ten or further back - looks necessary if only to future-proof the midfield department for any departures next season and beyond.

Tyrone Marshall

The desire to sign a goalkeeper will shift again if Ederson departs but aside from that City look to be in a pretty good position defensively and in the final third. Most of their business this summer will depend on departures.

To that end, Bernardo and De Bruye hold the key to the summer. If either leaves then moving for someone such as Bruno Guimaraes becomes a priority. There's an argument signing a No.8 now is common sense as Bernardo and De Bruyne move closer to the end than the beginning.

But with Kalvin Phillips likely to depart this summer, finding someone capable of easing the demands on Rodri is a priority. He knows he can't continue to play the number of games he is doing and City simply must find a plan B in that position. Unusually, their most important signing of the summer might actually be a player who spends more time on the bench than the pitch. Rodri will feel the benefits, however.

George Smith

With De Bruyne's future at the Etihad Stadium far from guaranteed, Phillips facing the likelihood of being offloaded permanently and Bernardo never too far away from being linked with an exit, City's main focus could be strengthening their midfield this summer.

They have already been linked with a cluster of names, most notably Newcastle United ace Guimaraes. The Brazilian has been excellent since joining the Magpies in 2022 and would be an eye-catching addition.

But deployed primarily as a No.6, is he going to force his way ahead of Rodri in the pecking order? No chance. It means a move for him, such is Newcastle's valuation, is unlikely.

Nevertheless, strengthening in midfield should be City's main aim this summer. City need sufficient cover for Rodri in case of injury.

Tom Coley

How do you improve on perfection? It's a question that has kept Pep Guardiola going in these last few years and now he must go again.

City were not infallible last season despite winning the Premier League again. The great Haaland debate continues and murmurs over Julian Alvarez's future have emerged which will need an answer quickly.

The attack doesn't feel like it needs much attention though. Foden is going to get better, Jeremy Doku will be into his second season, Haaland is still Haaland, and despite the noise, Alvarez is a great deputy and all-round forward in general.

It is in midfield and defence that attention is needed. Who is the long-term heir to Rodri? Can City do a better job when he's not playing or find someone to genuinely rotate with him? The problem is how to integrate a younger option.

Guimaraes is a wonderful player but absolutely not the sort of metronome that we have seen before at City. Martin Zubimendi is perhaps someone who fits that role better.

And then in defence there are also areas to address. The fitness of John Stones is a worry. Could the answer be someone like Barcelona's Ronald Araujo? It's hard to predict.

What is clear is that not letting the futures of De Bruyne and Phillips extend themselves deep into the summer is a priority.

Jack Flintham

If you were to pick just one area of the pitch where Guardiola has the biggest problem this summer it would be the central defensive midfield position. Yes, it may seem ironic considering Rodri is arguably the most adept player in the world but behind him there is a lack of depth.

City love to alternate players during the course of the season and it is arguably why they have managed to win four-in-a-row. But, Rodri has been burnt into the ground because there are no alternatives.

So if we were being greedy, bringing in a quality No.6 to replace Kalvin Phillips who is surely out of the door would be good. Newcastle United's Bruno Guimaraes would be an excellent addition but you would have to do some convincing about his role in the squad to make him become a rotation player at the Etihad Stadium.

Arguably though, if the Blues sign a player who can hold his own in the starting line-up then Rodri would be allowed the same rotation as some of his teammates have been afforded.