Manchester City's Transfer Strategy Under Scrutiny

Manchester City's recent struggles in the Premier League can be directly linked to their transfer business since 2022. The club has signed 18 players, spending significant sums, yet finds itself in an unexpected battle to maintain its dominance. This analysis breaks down each signing, examining the risks, successes, and failures that have shaped City's current predicament.

High-Risk Midfield Investments

• Kalvin Phillips (€49m from Leeds United)

  • Struggled to adapt from Leeds' high-intensity system to City's controlled approach
  • Hasn't replicated his ball-winning or passing prowess from Leeds days

• Matheus Nunes (€62m from Wolves)

  • Exceptional athleticism but limited technical impact
  • Poor passing and decision-making in crucial moments

Questionable Attacking Signings

• Jeremy Doku (€60m from Rennes)
  • Incredible dribbler but disrupts City's fluid attacking rhythm
  • Holds ball too long (2.98 seconds per possession)
  • Generates few high-quality chances (0.04 xG per shot)

Defensive Hits and Misses

• Josko Gvardiol (€90m from RB Leipzig)

  • Successful transition to left-back role
  • Among City's best performers this season

• Manuel Akanji (€20m from Dortmund)

  • Initially strong but showing signs of decline at 29
  • Currently injured during crucial part of season

Aging Stop-Gap Solutions

• Ilkay Gundogan (free from Barcelona)

  • Lowest max speed among Premier League midfielders
  • Struggles to impact games physically

• Mateo Kovacic (€29m from Chelsea)

  • Outside top 50 for sprints among midfielders
  • Provides experience but lacks dynamism

Winter Window Gambles

• Omar Marmoush (€75m from Frankfurt)

  • Talented but expensive for a player without elite pedigree

• Nico Gonzalez (€60m from Porto)

  • Safe in possession (minus-0.09 xPV per 90)
  • Doesn't fit typical Guardiola midfielder profile

The Few Bright Spots

• Erling Haaland (€60m from Dortmund)

  • 84 goals in 90 starts
  • Won treble in first season
  • But changed City's tactical identity

• Savinho (€25m from Troyes)

  • Excellent underlying numbers (0.6 npxG+xA per 90)
  • Potential bargain despite current low scoring

Tactical Evolution or Regression?

Guardiola's recent comments about struggling with 'modern football' and transitions are telling. City's signings appear to be reactions to the changing game rather than proactive moves to shape it:

1. Increased focus on physical attributes over technical quality
2. Attempts to counter transition-heavy opponents
3. Loss of tactical identity in pursuit of adaptation

With their usual dominance waning, Manchester City face crucial decisions about their transfer strategy moving forward. The club must balance immediate needs with long-term planning, all while navigating Financial Fair Play regulations and Guardiola's exacting standards.