The 2016-17 Premier League campaign was full of highs and lows for Manchester City and manager Pep Guardiola, and the summer transfer period is already starting to take shape. City’s first signing of the off-season was announced last week, with AS Monaco midfielder Bernardo Silva officially joining the squad in July.
Bernardo Silva is the Beginning of an Intriguing Summer for Manchester City
The Portuguese international made a significant impact for the Ligue 1 champions, recording eight goals and nine assists in league play this past season. Silva also played a key role in Les Rouges et Blancs reaching the semi-final stage of the UEFA Champions League.
Guardiola will certainly want to see improvements in his line-up this summer, as his first term at the Etihad Stadium did not result in any silverware. But there were positives to build from, and another run in Europe will be a top priority.
In this line of thinking, it makes sense for the Catalan to begin with Silva. The 22-year-old’s talents were on full display when Monaco eliminated Guardiola’s side in the Champions League Round of 16. Two memorable and fantastic matches ended 6-6 on aggregate, with the French club advancing on away goals.
Additions to a spectacular midfield
Silva joins a line-up with tremendous ability in the middle, but will undoubtedly see modifications ahead of the 2017-18 campaign. The uncertain futures of players like Yaya Toure and Fabian Delph, along with changes to the team’s formation and style could hold massive influence.
But within Guardiola’s philosophy, Bernardo Silva can thrive. Possessing great pace and an incredible touch on the ball, the youngster will be able to stretch the opposing defence in a variety of ways.
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Alongside team-mates like Kevin De Bruyne and Gabriel Jesus, Manchester City’s attack will be one of the Premier League’s best next season.
Future transfers
This summer was always going to be interesting for Pep Guardiola and City. From the future of star striker Sergio Aguero to the possible pursuit of Lionel Messi, there seemed more questions than answers as the transfer period approached. But the signing of Bernardo Silva offers a bit of direction as the club prepare for an important time in their overall future.
Examining recent additions and Guardiola’s style of play sees an emphasis on skilled and quick attackers, both in the midfield and forward positions. Players like Leroy Sane, De Bruyne and Jesus exemplify this type of approach and system. Bernardo Silva’s arrival fits into City’s line-up and their desired transfer target.
Defensive midfield was addressed a year ago as well, with the signing of Ilkay Gundogan.
The next focus will likely be striker, whether Aguero remains in Manchester or not. His departure would perhaps change the urgency of the matter, but Guardiola will want to add talent at the top. Resources in the transfer market are not a problem for City, and this summer could end up being the time that their financial muscle is flexed after a trophy-less campaign.
Bernardo Silva is an exceptional midfielder, and will assuredly not be the only influential signing for Manchester City in the coming months.
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