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Samuel - June 16, 2025
Manchester City emerged as one of the biggest spenders in the current transfer window as they look to reinforce their squad ahead of the Club World Cup and the 2025/26 campaign.
Following a disappointing 2024/25 season that ended without silverware, capped by a shock FA Cup final loss to Crystal Palace, Pep Guardiola has responded decisively in the market. The Cityzens have already secured three high-profile signings: Rayan Cherki, Tijjani Reijnders, and Rayan Ait-Nouri.
These arrivals will be given the opportunity to integrate into the squad during the Club World Cup and make a case for a regular spot in the starting XI. With fans and pundits eager to see how these players can reshape the team, we assess how each addition fits tactically and strategically into Guardiola’s plans.
Cherki has been a standout talent since emerging from Lyon’s academy. He became a regular in the first team during the 2020/21 season at just 17 years old, quickly drawing attention from top European clubs.
A versatile attacker, Cherki is capable of playing as an attacking midfielder or on either wing, showcasing elite dribbling, shot power, and creative flair. His standout quality lies in his vision and ability to produce moments of magic in the final third.
He enjoyed a brilliant 2024/25 campaign, scoring eight goals and providing eleven assists in Ligue 1. He also delivered an exceptional Europa League campaign, contributing four goals and eight assists in just twelve matches.
With Kevin De Bruyne having already departed the club, Cherki’s creativity could prove vital. Guardiola values versatility and technical excellence, and the Frenchman’s ability to operate in multiple attacking roles makes him a natural fit in City’s fluid system.
Tijjani Reijnders: The Midfield Dynamo City Needed
City’s acquisition of Tijjani Reijnders from AC Milan brings one of Serie A’s best midfielders to the Etihad. Known for his box-to-box dynamism, Reijnders was named Serie A’s best midfielder for the 2024/25 season, underlining his growing influence in European football.
He combines agility, precision passing, defensive awareness, and a relentless work ethic. Reijnders finished last season with ten league goals and four assists, impressive numbers for a midfielder. His ability to dictate tempo and contribute offensively will be crucial for City, especially given the team’s lack of midfield control when Rodri was unavailable.
With his technical quality and tactical intelligence, Reijnders brings much-needed depth and balance to Guardiola’s midfield setup.
After years of interest, Manchester City have finally secured the signing of Rayan Ait-Nouri from Wolverhampton Wanderers. Despite Wolves’ underwhelming season, Ait-Nouri was a standout performer, contributing four goals and seven assists from left back.
He combines attacking intent with solid defensive awareness, making him an ideal full-back for Guardiola’s style of play. Ait-Nouri has consistently held his own against top Premier League wingers and is comfortable operating both as a traditional left back and as a wing-back.
City’s lack of a natural left back last season led to players like Matheus Nunes and Nico O’Reilly filling in out of position. Ait-Nouri’s arrival fills that void and offers a reliable balance between defensive stability and attacking thrust down the flank.
Cherki’s versatility as a winger and playmaker will be a valuable asset for Manchester City. Expect him to thrive in multiple roles, seamlessly switching between attacking midfield and wide positions. This flexibility will address the team’s lack of creativity for much of the 2024/25 season, a shortfall only partially addressed by Omar Marmoush’s January arrival. Cherki’s inclusion could unlock the full attacking potential of Guardiola’s system.
Another critical issue last season was the midfield’s lack of balance, particularly when Rodri was sidelined. City struggled to find a midfielder who could both dictate play and drive forward with purpose. Reijnders is expected to fill that void, offering the energy and intelligence required to link defense and attack.
At left-back, Guardiola’s tactical options were limited, often resorting to makeshift solutions. Ait-Nouri changes that. His explosive running and tactical awareness suit Guardiola’s preference for inverted full-backs who support midfield buildup. His arrival promises to stabilize the flank while contributing to City’s offensive phases.
In Guardiola’s preferred 4-2-3-1 formation, Ait-Nouri is likely to start as the left-back, with Rodri and Reijnders forming a solid double pivot. Cherki may take the central attacking role, rotating fluidly with Marmoush on the left. Savinho on the right and Erling Haaland up front complete a dynamic, goal-hungry front line.
Manchester City’s signings of Cherki, Reijnders, and Ait-Nouri represent more than squad depth, they signal a thoughtful reshaping of Guardiola’s blueprint. Each player brings a unique skill set that addresses a specific tactical shortcoming from last season.
With the Club World Cup offering a competitive testing ground, the trio will have the chance to establish themselves early. If they integrate as expected, this could mark the beginning of a tactical evolution, one that refreshes City’s identity while maintaining their trademark control, fluidity, and attacking prowess.
