#3 Manchester City
The Premier League champions in 2013/14 don’t seem to be wasting any time at all this summer, as Pep Guardiola’s side have already secured the signatures of Portuguese attacker Bernardo Silva and Brazilian goalkeeper Ederson – for a total of around £76m. And it doesn’t look like the spending spree will stop there, as Guardiola has been linked with Alexis Sanchez, Dani Alves and Isco as he looks to rebuild a huge squad in his own image.
Who’s likely to be leaving? Rumours hang over Sergio Aguero, Samir Nasri, Joe Hart and Wilfried Bony to name four, but when it comes to a bloated squad like City’s it’s anyone’s guess as to who stays and who goes. A team as rich as City will always be relevant purely because of their financial clout, but this season should be even more interesting due to the issues hanging over Guardiola.
Barcelona’s former manager was supposed to lead the revolution at City that would finally see them become the Premier League’s dominant force – as well as contenders for the Champions League – but last season that just didn’t happen. Whether it was down to Guardiola needing time to settle into his new surroundings, or – whisper it – he’s not as good as he’s made out to be, only time will tell. But 2017/18 should give a good indicator at least.
A known short-term manager, if Guardiola can’t succeed at Eastlands this season – I’m talking a Premier League title and perhaps another trophy as well as a Champions League push – his reputation will be on the line. And that should keep Man City relevant throughout 2017/18.
