In Rayan Ait-Nouri, Rayan Cherki and Tijjani Reijnders, Manchester City have signed three top players.
When Florian Wirtz chose to join Liverpool over Manchester City, Sky Blues supporters across the world would have feared the worst as the German looked like their number one target to replace Kevin De Bruyne.
But Cherki’s £33 million move to Manchester City was proof that the decision-makers at the Etihad Stadium did not panic whatsoever.
Ahead of the summer, City’s aim would have been to rebuild their squad in such a way that they could compete for the Premier League title and the Champions League crown in the 2025/2026 season.
Ruben Amorim claimed Hugo Viana wants to win more than everyone at Man City
It looks like Manchester City very well could return to becoming a top side, as Hugo Viana has starred during his stint at the Etihad Stadium so far.
However, Ruben Amorim lauded Viana’s mentality back in October after working with him at Sporting CP, saying: “Hugo Viana wants to win more than everyone at Man City.”
Hugo Viana at a Manchester City game
Photo by Jan Kruger – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
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Amorim’s claim has aged like fine wine as the sporting director extraordinaire has done a tremendous job at rebuilding Manchester City’s squad.
Manchester City’s priority was signing an attacking midfielder to succeed Kevin De Bruyne and Hugo Viana has pulled off the arrival of arguably the most gifted young number 10 in the world in Cherki.
In the number eight role, Bernardo Silva and Ilkay Gundogan have looked past their best while Mateo Kovacic has blown hot and cold at City but in Reijnders, Viana has made Pep Guardiola’s dream signing.
Reijnders’ eye for goal, sublime technique, imposing stature and expansive passing range means he is a world-class central midfielder in the making and one who fits Guardiola’s system like a glove.
Riyad Mahrez rates Ait-Nouri highly and the Algerian defender’s arrival has addressed another one of City’s problem areas at left-back, with Nathan Ake’s fitness being unreliable, Josko Gvardiol playing more minutes at centre-half and Nico O’Reilly being a natural number 10.
Hugo Viana has done a terrific job at City and while it seems clear as day that his eye for talent is second to none, Ruben Amorim rightfully pinpointed his hunger to succeed as the reason behind his rise.
Who Hugo Viana should sign next at Manchester City
Kyle Walker is set to leave Manchester City and as a result, it is key for the Sky Blues to replace him in the summer.
While Manchester City are huge fans of Tino Livramento, Newcastle United are not expected to make it easy for the Sky Blues if they amp their efforts to prise the former Chelsea right-back away.
If Hugo Viana seals a deal for Livramento or any top-class right-back for that matter, he might solidify his status as a hero at Manchester City for having had a potentially transformative impact on the club already.