Manchester City start squad rebuild early in the summer
Ivica Drusany / Shutterstock.com
Manchester City have shown their determination to build a stronger squad of players for next season by completing some very early business in the transfer market. City boss Pep Guardiola is expected to spend big this summer and has already put the clubs chequebook to good use by making his first signing.
That first summer signing is highly-rated Portuguese attacking midfielder Bernardo Silva, who will arrive in Manchester from French champions Monaco for a fee of around £43million.
Silva had reportedly been attracting interest from a number of major European clubs, including Barcelona following a stellar campaign in the principality.
Reports from Sky Sports also suggest that Benfica’s Brazilian goalkeeper Ederson is in Manchester to have a medical ahead of completing a move worth around £34.8million. The goalkeeping position was a problem for City last season after summer signing Claudio Bravo struggled for form and was dislodged by backup Willy Caballero.
Ederson at 23-years-old would offer major competition to Bravo for the number one spot. The youngster could even be installed as the Citizens number one after his impressive displays for Benfica over the past two seasons.
The move will also almost certainly see England goalkeeper Joe Hart leave the club, having spent the season on loan at the Italian club, Torino. The experienced stopper is likely to head back to the English top-flight this summer.
City have been busy making way for new signings by allowing the likes of Caballero, Gael Clichy, Bacary Sagna and Jesus Navas to leave following the expiration of their contracts. Veteran Ivorian midfielder Yaya Toure is also out of contract but is reported to have a contract offer waiting for him, although any deal is likely to be based on appearances.
The Citizens will be expected to finish higher than third place next season and if they do not then major questions will be raised about Guardiola’s ability to manage in the English top-flight.
Home
Football 
Basketball
Hockey
American Football
Baseball
Rugby
Volleyball
Handball
Esoccer
