Manchester City:

Although City have already had a very busy summer thus far, City’s new tactics at the Club World Cup have underscored a position which needs further upgrading. At the CWC, City’s fullbacks bombed forward and virtually played as defensive wingers. On the right hand side, Nunes is the only player in City’s squad who could play in that role and with Guardiola previously stating he is not fond of him, City should look into signing a new Right back. In order to play in this Guardiola system this player needs to have the ability to play in an forward position, time his runs at the right time, have the speed and endurance to drop back and have the technical skills in order on play in a possession based system. I believe the perfect player is Stanisic from Bayern. Stanisic has been second fiddle since returning to Bayern, but has previous experience playing in a forward position as a Right Wing back at Leverkusen. He is very good on the ball and has very strong one v one abilities. He would also only cost about $20-25 million. At this very reasonable price City should gamble on Stanisic, and if it doesn’t work out he is still young enough to make some money back.

Manchester United:

United’s attacking woes have been highlighted continiously last season. With neither Hojlund or Zirkzee putting in the performances necessary to warrant the United number 9 position, United should dip into the market to find the one striker who could carry their club forward. In Anorim’s system, the striker needs to have a good hold up play, could come deep to pick up the ball, run the channels and be good in the air. One striker who has previous experience at the highest level but has found it difficult to get minutes at his current club is Goncalo Ramos from PSG. At Benfica, Ramos showed excellent finishing qualities and intelligent movement. With the World Cup approaching, Ramos needs to get first team minutes next season to guarantee a spot with the national team. At United, he would fit in like a glove. He would start every game and be the focal point of the team. With his smart movement combined with his knack of being in the right place at the right time, United need to sign him in order to make Europe next season.

Newcastle:

With the new signing of Anthony Elanga, Newcastle don’t really have a weak spot in their starting 11 anymore. However, while competing in European competitions, squad depth tends to be hugely important. Their injury troubles two seasons ago while competing in the Champions League pinpoints this idea. While I had a look at their squad for next season, their bench is at bare-bones, they lack multiple deputies in vital positions. One position, though, which I think needs a more concentrated look is the right sided center-back position. At the moment, Fabian Schär is deputizing in this role, and he is very good at it. However, as he is on the wrong side of 30 years old, Newcastle should look for a rotation option in that role who could take over from Schär in a season or two. This center back needs to be very physically strong as Newcastle like to play a high press, good in the air, good at one on one duels and can play from the back. There is one center back last season who caught the eye of many thanks to his technical and leadership skills. His name is Taylor Harwood-Bellis. At only 24 years of age, Harwood-Bellis is already a quality Premier League center back. His physical attributes are remarkable and paired with Botman in the back, no team is winning any balls in the box. As he was relegated, he would only cost about $30 million, a fee which is very respectable for a player of his age and quality. Newcastle need to snatch him up soon in order to get ahead of other teams who will pounce for his signature in the coming weeks or months.