#2 Virgil van Dijk
The full-backs are not only the defensive positions in need of reinforcements. At centre-back, Vincent Kompany is not getting any younger while John Stones is yet to impress. Nicolas Otamendi had a good season but it is captain Kompany’s return from injuries towards the end of the season that truly steadied the defence.
Therefore, it is imperative for the Citizens to buy a centre-back in the top bracket to lead and orchestrate the defence. While Virgil van Dijk might be interested to join Liverpool, the whole fiasco can lead to the Saints preferring selling the Dutchman to any club other than the Reds. In such a scenario, City should be first in the queue and snap up the defender.
Physically a colossus, extremely comfortable on the ball and a commanding leader at the back, Virgil van Dijk is one of the best defenders in Premier League. He will solidify a leaky defence and is the ideal replacement for Kompany.
A regular for the Netherlands, van Dijk brings in a wealth of Premier League experience and at 26 years of age, he represents a great investment for City. As the adage goes on how great strikers win you matches while great defences win you championships, van Dijk firmly transforms City into the latter category.