Several changes have taken place at Manchester City over the summer, and one has been the emergence of a new leader within Pep Guardiola’s squad.
Following an underwhelming 2024/25 campaign, Man City targeted four to five new faces ahead of the current season, and Hugo Viana achieved this and more, with the signing of Gianluigi Donnarumma on deadline day making it seven new additions at the Premier League giants.
There have also been changes off the pitch, with Guardiola seeing new faces such as Pepijn Lijnders added to his coaching staff, while the legendary coach also appointed Bernardo Silva as his new captain.
However, a new leader is emerging behind the scenes in Manchester, and his voice is becoming more prominent in Man City’s dressing room.
Erling Haaland smiles after Manchester City v Manchester United.
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
Erling Haaland is being heard more at Man City
Erling Haaland was added to Man City’s leadership group ahead of the current season, as the Premier League giants are preparing the £51m striker to be the future captain of the Manchester club.
Guardiola admitted this to the press on Wednesday, revealing that Haaland is a contender to be the next Man City captain after the 25-year-old penned a new deal in Manchester until 2034.
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According to the Daily Mail, the Norwegian’s voice has become louder within City’s dressing room, which began last winter when Guardiola’s men were going through a very tough period of form.
“Sources revealed last season that his voice was being heard with added regularity – especially through the bleak mid-winter of a crisis Guardiola has never before encountered,” Jack Gaughan wrote.
“The United game, before and during, acts as a strong case study of City’s No 9. There were those eye-catchingly outspoken comments pre-match, which appeared to garner a response.
“That, City sources point out, came from a similar place to him shielding team-mates from criticism after losing at Aston Villa last year, blaming himself for the side’s ills instead of pointing fingers.”
A vacancy for Man City’s next captain will open up again next summer, and when it comes to Guardiola picking his next leader, Haaland will certainly be in contention.
Who will be Man City’s next captain
Although Haaland has a good shot at being handed the armband, Guardiola will likely appoint Ruben Dias as his next captain.
The Portuguese star is currently vice-captain at the Etihad Stadium, and having recently signed a new contract at City, these are strong foundations to be handed the captaincy on top of.
When Bernardo Silva leaves Man City next summer, fans should expect Dias to be their new leader, but that could change over the coming months, with Haaland one of the names that will look to influence the decision of Guardiola.