Manchester City mid-summer report: Who has signed, what transfer targets remain?
A look at the club's pre-season plans and what the season ahead might bring
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Your support makes all the difference.With the World Cup over, attention turns to the upcoming Premier League season. In his first year in charge at the Etihad, Manuel Pellegrini delivered the Premier League title.
He had his team playing some astonishing football as well, with City scoring a record-breaking 156 goals in all competitions, with four players - Sergio Aguero, Edin Dzeko, Yaya Toure and Alvaro Negredo - scoring more than 20 each.
But there was one major blemish on Pellegrini's copybook; another early exit in the Champions League. They got out of the group stage for the first time since their mega-money takeover, but their Abu Dhabi paymasters will want more than a run to the last-16.
City's most important business this summer could be convincing Toure, who still appears to be unhappy at the club, to stay.
Here, we take a look at those who have arrived at the club, who might still be on their way and a look at their pre-season plans.
New signings
Fernando (Porto, £12m)
Nicknamed ‘The Octopus’, Fernando is the kind of midfield destroyer City have been missing since they sold Nigel de Jong. Fernandinho was impressive in his debut season in England, driving forward as well as covering for Yaya Toure, but Fernando will offer more solidity and know-how when City have to sit back and soak up pressure on big European nights.
Bacary Sagna (Arsenal, free)
It remains to be seen whether he will replace fan favourite Pablo Zabaleta, who missed just three matches in the Premier League last season, at right back or whether he has been brought in because of his versatility. Sagna can play all across the back four and is exceptional at getting up and down the wing.
Willy Caballero (Malaga, £6m)
Manuel Pellegrini proved he was not afraid of dropping Joe Hart last season when the England No 1’s form stuttered. Costel Pantilimon has moved to Sunderland and Caballero, who Pellegrini knows from his time at Malaga, is a noticeable upgrade. Will likely begin as the No 2 but will keep Hart at his best.
Possible new arrivals?
Pre-season plans
City have already begun their pre-season (though it ended in defeat against Dundee) and will soon head to the USA for a tour. They will play four matches stateside against Sporting Kansas, AC Milan, Liverpool and Olympiakos, before taking part in the curtain-raiser against Arsenal in the Community Shield.
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