WHY MANCHESTER CITY STILL HAVE THE MOST COMPLETE SQUAD AHEAD OF THE 2025/26 SEASON
By ImoleSport Analysis Team | July 25, 2025
Liverpool have been making headlines with a brilliant year of success—clinching the Premier League title and launching a dominant summer transfer campaign. With the arrivals of Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike bolstering the attack, plus full-backs Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez joining the squad, the Reds look stacked. There are even whispers of a blockbuster move for Rodrygo from Real Madrid.
While many have tipped Liverpool to retain their crown, it would be unwise to count out Manchester City, who have won six of the last eight league titles under Pep Guardiola.
At ImoleSport, we take a closer look at why City may still hold the most complete squad in English football going into the 2025/26 season.
MIDFIELD DEPTH DESPITE DE BRUYNE’S EXIT
Yes, Kevin De Bruyne has departed and Ilkay Gündoğan is also likely to leave—but City have anticipated the change. The midfield unit still looks elite. Recent signings Rayan Cherki and Tijjani Reijnders bring both flair and versatility.
Then there’s the ever-reliable Rodri, creative spark Bernardo Silva, emerging star Phil Foden, and seasoned operators like Mateo Kovacic and Nico Gonzalez. Add promising youngsters like Nico O’Reilly, Jeremy Doku, and Savinho, and the midfield looks more than capable of coping without De Bruyne.
Cherki, in particular, could be a game-changer. After notching 12 goals and 19 assists in Ligue 1 last season, his adaptation to Premier League football will be key. If he settles quickly, Guardiola’s side could transition seamlessly into a post-De Bruyne era.
HAALAND AND MARMOUSH FORM DEADLY STRIKE PARTNERSHIP
Erling Haaland continues to be a force of nature. Despite heavy marking from defenders, the Norwegian has scored an eye-watering 124 goals in 146 matches for City. He’s joined this season by Omar Marmoush, who netted 28 goals last campaign—including 20 for Bayer Leverkusen before his Premier League arrival.
Marmoush has already proven he can adapt to English football. With Haaland attracting constant defensive attention, the Egyptian international could thrive in open spaces and become the perfect partner up front.
DEFENSIVE STABILITY WITH ROOM FOR GROWTH
City’s backline remains one of the most dependable in Europe. With Ruben Dias, Manuel Akanji, Nathan Aké, and Josko Gvardiol, Guardiola has defenders who are both comfortable on the ball and rock-solid at the back. Young Abdukadir Khusanov adds potential to the mix and could develop quickly alongside such experienced names.
Though City’s high-possession style occasionally leaves them exposed to counters, Rodri’s presence as midfield anchor helps plug that gap. If Khusanov and Aké step up in big games, City will be difficult to break down.
GUARDIOLA STILL HAS THE BEST BALANCE IN THE LEAGUE
Despite some key exits and Liverpool’s resurgence, Pep Guardiola enters the new season with arguably the most balanced and complete squad in England. From experienced leaders to young prodigies, every position has competition, creativity, and quality.
City may have fallen short last season, but dismissing them would be a mistake. The hunger remains—and the depth is as frightening as ever.
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