Whilst Manchester City players are out on International break I thought this would be a good time to look at our previous summer arrivals given we have a big enough sample size now. Context is certainly needed but the long term potential of them all is quite clear. Questions is if that potential is fulfilled at the Etihad?

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Manchester City Summer Arrivals 2024: Reviewing Progress and Long Term Potential

When reviewing the summer transfers it’s important to remember what City tried to do vs what they pulled off. From Jude Bellingham to Declan Rice to Lucas Paqueta and finally they landed on Matheus Nunes. Not ideal when you want all of your players involved in the pre-season tour and bedded into the squad. Neither is Saudi Arabia becoming a big player in the market and taking Mahrez off your hands, making your scramble around to sort out a new winger. Then we get to the mess that was Ilkay Gundogan’s contract which remained up in the air for far too long.

This wasn’t the Manchester City that were ruthless and organized in a transfer window, this time they fired from the hip partly due to their own making. Now we have a big enough sample size to work out if those shots hit the target.

Josko Gvardiol (RB Leipzig)

2,324 minutes | 29 games played | 1 assist

Gvardiol is the closest player out of the new arrivals to making it into the top ten of minutes share, eleventh on the list. All the others have either not had trust in moments or struggled with injuries. He has had his moments defensively this season making mistakes (Aston Villa, Chelsea & Burnley) whilst trying to learn a new role at left back, to fit into this team and learning our system. He has brought something completely new to the position with his progressive passing and carries up the flank. Ake is more conservative with his passing and positioning in general.

I’d argue that without his recent injury Gvardiol would be our first choice left back, to even have that conversation after how well Nathan Ake performed in the previous season tells it’s own story. Heading into the future Gvardiol has the potential to not only be an elite defender but one of the best in the world. Goes under the radar his season but he’s quietly got on with it all. Every physical abilities you would want a defender to have and the courage to fire passes into the final third. If you think he’s good now, then sit back and watch what he will become. Only upwards.

Mateo Kovacic (Chelsea)

1,990 minutes | 33 games played | 2 goals | 1 assist

In the first half of the season he had shown signs of being a great value transfer, struggled with some injury niggles and had some tough games (Arsenal, Wolves & Aston Villa). Thrusted on him this expectation to be Ilkay Gundogan and cover for Rodri. That’s easy right?

No it’s really not. But now in 2024 he has had time to settle into the team, his role and show off his skill set. Away to Spurs in the FA Cup he was the best player on the pitch, thriving inside the Spurs press. Coming on at Anfield to change the tempo of the game and have fans wondering if he is in our best eleven. As an option in midfield to work alongside Rodri deeper and more advanced, Kovacic is excellent. Big strength in his ball carrying, through midfield to get out of a press along with his short passing recycling the ball with Rodri.

I think the concerns around his fitness wouldn’t be an issue if for example Lucas Paqueta arrived with him, taking up a lot of minutes in midfield (where Matheus Nunes hasn’t) and that would have meant Kovacic was used when fit in the right moments.

Here is a thread we did on his career leading up the City move. 👇

Jeremy Doku (Stade Rennais)

1,773 minutes | 33 games played | 5 goals | 6 assists

Jeremy Doku arrived late in the window but burnt very bright in those first few games for City before his stellar performance against Bournemouth. Since then he’s been working on his game and learning the system. Dealt with an lengthy injury at the worst time possible, playing in the Club World Cup would have done him the world of good. Having many moments this season where you can point to poor decisions and in the same game he will do something that get’s you off your feet.

When it comes to new arrivals, not everyone will hit the ground running and Doku was always going to take time with how young he is and the little minutes he’s played in the last couple seasons with Stade Rennais. Cameo against Liverpool and performance against Newcastle were very encouraging, off the ball and making smarter decisions. 24/25 is where he will have a chance to put a consistent season together, with hopefully his shooting on point cutting in from the left.

Thread on Jeremy Doku and his potential.

Matheus Nunes (Wolves)

1,389 minutes | 25 games played | 5 assists

Matheus Nunes is an interesting one that has split opinion among City fans. I don’t think his talent is deniable but without a clear position or role in the team it’s hard for people to see that coming through. Neither does his age help his case, if he’s 21-23 then you’d think well he just needs some time to develop. 25 means you expect more sooner.

Making it into the Portugal National team this season. A tremendous ball carrier in large spaces, different from Kovacic in that he eats up more ground and drives into the large open spaces out wide and in behind. Shown some promise playing out wide against Bournemouth and Luton Town but this season he’s very much been a moments player. Good and bad. Next season is where we will find out if he kicks on finding his role or continues to be on the fringes of the team.

Oscar Bobb (CFA)

695 minutes | 20 games played | 2 goals | 2 assists

For Oscar Bobb arriving from the CFA is not quite the same as a big money move but he’s given us moments a top signing would have. His winner against Newcastle the go to. Clearly has the trust of Guardiola, got himself a new contract and called up the Norway National team in his first senior season.

Heading into next season we have to remember that Oscar Bobb is technically gifted enough to contend for a starting spot. He’s shown his composure on the ball, has made mistakes when playing more centrally and is still learning his trade. His path leads to a role in the midfield but for next season he’s going to be making our wingers think twice about their spot in the eleven.

Thread on Oscar Bobb and his future position.

Overall Window Grade: B

Both Gvardiol and Doku are incredible talents for the long term and position the club very well when players eventually move on within the next 3-5 years. Mathues Nunes has all the talent to be a Manchester City player but hasn’t quite found his fit yet. Mateo Kovacic has proven to be the partner Rodri needs despite him taking a while to get there. Oscar Bobb is as good as any other big money U21 transfer City could bring in and will be taking a starting spot within the next few years.

What we have missed in this window was an elite signings to hit the ground running in midfield and that’s why that conversation has come up again this summer. The talent of all the players is undeniable. The value and potential long term is spot on. The time it’s going to take to see that realized from these players was always going to be longer than one season and when the difference between City being first and third is one point, the margins are small. The judgement is harsh.

I’m very optimistic about all the signings future in the team but a clear takeaway is that this summer City need 1-2 elite players in the door demanding top minutes and backing them up with the performances. You can’t always go completely to one side with youth and potential. When you are in the position of Manchester City, getting that slightly off balance can be the difference between 1st and 2nd place.

Let us know your thoughts on the 2024 summer signings,

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