Joelinton and Bruno GuimaraesJoelinton and Bruno Guimaraes
Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes | Getty Images
We asked AI to predict which players Manchester City will sign in the summer and how they will fit into the starting XI.
Man City are hoping to end the season on a high and finish in a Champions League spot. They are in a battle with the likes of Newcastle, Chelsea and Aston Villa for a top four position.
Pep Guardiola will be keen to improve his squad in the summer transfer window in order to challenge for the Premier League title again next season, but may need to replace some big names in order to do so.
So we asked Grok AI to predict which players Man City will sign in the summer and how they will fit into Guardiola’s starting XI.
Manchester City keep current back four
Goalkeeper: Ederson
Defenders: Rico Lewis,Ruben Dias,Nathan Ake,Josko Gvardiol
Intriguingly, AI left the likes of John Stones and Manuel Akanji out of this starting XI, instead opting for a centre-back pairing of Dias and Ake. It also suggested that Rico Lewis would get the right-back spot, becoming the long-term replacement for Kyle Walker, whose future is uncertain amid his loan move at AC Milan this season. It didn’t predict that City make any signings in defence, and instead decided to focus on attacking areas to improve the squad.
Two centre-midfielders added alongside Rodri
Midfielders:rodri">Rodri ,Bruno Guimaraes, Tijjani Reijnders
Firstly, AI suggested that Ballon d’Or winner Rodri would remain the constant in Guardiola’s midfield next season, describing him as an “irreplaceable anchor”. However, it did say that City will sign Newcastle midfielder Guimaraes to play alongside and eventually replace Rodri, for a fee of £85 million. The Brazilian has also been linked to Arsenal in recent weeks but has remained a transfer target at City since last summer.
AI said: “Manchester City needs a robust midfielder to complement or eventually succeed Rodri. Guimarães offers versatility, defensive solidity, and playmaking ability, aligning with City’s possession-based style.”
It also suggested that City sign AC Milan midfielder Tijjani Reijnders for a fee of £50 million. The Dutchman has made 28 Serie A appearances this season, scoring nine goals and providing three assists.
AI said: “With Ilkay Gündogan ageing and the midfield needing rejuvenation, Reijnders brings energy, technical skill, and versatility. He could rotate with Rodri or Guimarães, ensuring squad depth.”
Man City make remarkable £179m splash in attack
Attackers:savinho">Savinho , Florian Wirtz, Viktor Gyokeres
Let’s start by addressing the fact that AI doesn’t have Erling Haaland in it’s dream XI, it instead said that the club will sign Arsenal and Man United transfer target Viktor Gyokeres to rotate with Haaland up front.
It said: “While Erling Haaland dominates as City’s striker, adding Gyökeres provides depth and a different attacking option. The Swedish international’s physicality and goal-scoring prowess could allow tactical flexibility.”
Savinho will occupy one of the roles on the wing, whilst they are predicted to spend a hefty fee of £109 million on Bayer Leverkusen winger Florian Wirtz, who has been linked with a move to City.
AI said: “With Kevin De Bruyne’s contract expiring in 2025 and his future uncertain, Wirtz is seen as a natural long-term replacement. The 21-year-old German star is a creative force, capable of dictating play and scoring, making him a perfect fit for Pep Guardiola’s system.”
In other news, Man City have opened their interest in a winger wanted by Man United, Tottenham and West Ham.