Despite Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool team running them close, Manchester City managed to survive a final day scare against Aston Villa to secure a dramatic fourth Premier League title in five seasons. For Pep Guardiola’s side, the familiar title win signifies the evident gulf between them and the rest, particularly when it comes to finances and the way in which the Spaniard’s methods have created a winning mentality at the club. But can any side catch Manchester City next season?
While Liverpool managed to take it down to the very last game of the campaign, there is a consensus among the football-supporting community that the blue side of Manchester is an unstoppable force, particularly while Pep Guardiola remains in charge. Should the former Barcelona boss depart the club, other sides would certainly grow in confidence. At the moment, when it comes to pre-season write-ups, pundit predictions, and fans making the most of any Bet365 UK sports betting opportunities, it’s impossible to look past Manchester City once again next season. In fact, the Citizens are only going to get stronger in the coming weeks.
Borussia Dortmund superstar to take City up a level
While many experts felt that Manchester City would miss Sergio Aguero’s presence last season, Pep Guardiola’s side managed to uncover another layer to their ever-changing approach by producing the goods without a recognised striker. Now, though, with Erling Haaland officially joining the club on July 1, City could potentially be even more devastating. The talented Norwegian striker is moving to Manchester at a time when he’s arguably the most famous young star in football. At the age of just 21, the Borussia Dortmund goal-getter is likely to lead a new era at the Etihad. Given his physical prowess and unwavering confidence at such a young age, Pep Guardiola’s side appear to have signed the real deal. Working alongside the Spanish innovator will surely add another dimension to Haaland’s game also, with Guardiola expected to demand more off the ball from his new superstar.
For the rest of the Premier League, the signing of Haaland is an ominous warning. With 62 goals in 67 appearances for the German giants, Haaland clearly knows where the goal is. His desire to score, alongside City’s usually reliable service, will surely see the former Red Bull Salzburg prodigy develop further and mature into one of the best players in the world. Right now, although the hype surrounding him is understandably through the roof, Erling Haaland has some developing to do. With that in mind, he has certainly chosen the ideal destination for the next stage of his career.
Julian Alvarez has gone under the radar
While the football world is salivating at the prospect of Erling Harland in the Premier League next season, City bosses will be quietly confident in the signing of Julian Alvarez, too. City paid an initial £14.1m to sign the exciting forward from River Plate and many expected him to spend next season back on-loan at his beloved club, but there are strong reports suggesting that Alvarez will be fast-tracked into the first team fold. The 22-year-old was the Primera Division’s top scorer in 2021 with 20 goals in 35 games, while also being named the South American Footballer of the Year. With both Haaland and Alvarez supplementing a formidable attack, Manchester City’s attacking options are scary.
Liverpool could be weaker
While Manchester City are expected to go all out for both domestic and European honours next season, there are concerning reports surrounding the team that is most likely to challenge them for the Premier League crown, Liverpool. With Sadio Mane heading to Bayern Munich and doubts over the future of star man Mohamed Salah, Manchester City’s main competition could be weaker. As such, next season could be five in six for the Citizens. In fact, while Pep Guardiola’s still there, it’s almost a foregone conclusion.