Man City Champions League squad (* - B List player):

Ederson, Ortega, Carson, Walker, Dias, Stones, Ake, Gvardiol, Akanji, Lewis*, Wilson-Esbrand, Kovacic, Rodri, De Bruyne, Gundogan, Bernardo, Nunes, Foden, McAtee, Grealish, Doku, Savinho, Haaland.

Erling Haaland is close to committing his future to Manchester City by signing a lucrative contract extension, according to Spanish newspaper Marca.

Lee Carsley liked what he saw from England and Manchester City star Jack Grealish against the Republic of Ireland, as the interim manager enjoyed a winning start to his temporary reign.

Man City’s biggest B-team sales since 2016

The 54 players were sold for a combined £511.8m


Player Sold to Fee

Cole Palmer Chelsea £42.5M

Yan Couto* B. Dortmund £25.8M

Kelechi Iheanacho Leicester £25M

Romeo Lavia Southampton £22.5M

Brahim Diaz Real Madrid £22M

Angelino RB Leipzig £21.3M
\
Jadon Sancho** B. Dortmund £21.2M

Liam Delap Ipswich £20M

Taylor Harwood-Bellis Southampton £19.8M

James Trafford Burnley £19M

Pedro Porro*** Sporting Lisbon £17.4M

Carlos Borges Ajax £17.2M

Douglas Luiz Aston Villa £15M

Gavin Bazunu Southampton £15M

Shea Charles Southampton £15M

Angus Gunn Southampton £13.5M

Enes Unal Villarreal £12M

Lukas Nmecha Wolfsburg £11.1M

Jack Harrison Leeds United £11M

Rabbi Matondo Schalke £10.3M

Aaron Mooy Huddersfield £10M

Samuel Edozie Southampton £10M

Uriel Antuna Chivas £10M

Felix Correira Juventus £9.5M

Ivan Ilic Hellas Verona £9.5M

Jason Denayer Lyon £9M

Pablo Maffeo Stuttgart £8.8M

Juan Larios Southampton £6M

Darko Gyabi Leeds United £5M

Ko Itakura B. Monchengladbach £5M

Oliver Ntcham Celtic £4.5

Tommy Doyle Wolves £4.3M

Yangel Herrera Girona £4.2M

Geronimo Rulli R. Sociedad £4M

Seko Fofana Udinese £3.8M

Nahuel Ferraresi Sao Paulo £3.6M

Manu Garcia Sporting Gijon £3.6M

Aro Muric Burnley £3M

Bersant Celina Swansea £3M

Joshua Kayode S. Donetsk £3M

Patrick Roberts Sunderland £3M

Taylor Richards Brighton £2.5M

Benjamin Garre Racing Club £2M

Tosin Adarabioyo Fulham £2M

Thierry Ambrose Metz £1.8M

Ruben Sobrino Alaves £1.8M

Dire Mebude Westerlo £1.7M

CJ Egan-Riley Burnley £1M

Jeremie Frimpong Celtic £1M

Charlie McNeill Man Utd £750K

Terence Kongolo Hereenveen £750K

Tyler Fletcher Man Utd £630K

Luca Barrington Brighton £500K

Harvey Griffiths Wolves £350K

Manchester City CEO Ferran Soriano has spoken about the club ambitions in the transfer market after a quiet summer


In the Premier League, no other club spent less than the Blues did with their outlay on Savinho (£21m potentially rising to £33.6m), Ilkay Gundogan (free) and Divin Mubama (up to £2m) their lowest spend since 2006. With over £150m banked in sales thanks in large part to the £82m departure of Julian Alvarez, City also recorded an enormous profit.

That is something the club is open to doing, according to CEO Ferran Soriano, as he explained that their profit was not an ambition that they are seeking above all else. While that money does help to make the club financially sustainable, Soriano says the priority remains to have a squad capable of winning things.

"We got a good offer and we had an extraordinary profit but we were not counting on it,” he told the FT. “This is important because for Manchester City the objective is to win and to be financially sustainable. It’s not to make an extraordinary profit every year. We have to assume this has ups and downs.”


He added: “Our financial situation is very stable because our football situation is very stable. Other teams — they change the coach every two years. Life is very difficult because you have to rethink the whole thing.”

Bayern Munich and Germany international superstar Jamal Musiala is ready to join Manchester City in the 2025 summer transfer window.

both Pep Guardiola and Manchester City will be unwilling to sell Croatian international midfielder Mateo Kovacic during the next January transfer window.

Manchester City ‘already checked on’ how Crystal Palace and England international centre-back Marc Guehi and how the defender’s ‘future may develop’.

Interest from the Etihad Stadium in Selhurst Park talent does not stop there however, with the report going on to reveal that City ‘expressed an interest’ in Eberechi Eze, alongside the likes of local rivals Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur.

Palace are said to have lined up Johan Bakayoko from PSV Eindhoven as Eze’s replacement such was there belief that the midfielder would leave for a Premier League giant. However, no such offers would arrive for the player.

Finally, City have also been tied to interest in Palace’s Adam Wharton – alongside rivals Liverpool – as they continue their hunt for suitable support to Rodri in defensive midfield, but primarily with a view towards a potential move next summer.

Nathan Ake was withdrawn from action with the Netherlands having sustained a ‘very serious injury’ in the UEFA Nations League meeting with Germany

Manchester City privately saw Kevin De Bruyne reject the opportunity to become the club’s new captain, a report has revealed.

Fabrizio Romano has revealed both Real Madrid and Manchester City will no doubt be in the race to sign Jamal Musiala, should the player not extend his Bayern Munich deal.

Manchester City’s 115 alleged breaches of Premier League financial rules will begin on Monday 16 September. It is further highlighted that City declined to comment on the matter.

Manchester City will be willing to give Erling Haaland the green light over compassionate leave, if requested by the striker in the coming days.

The 24-year-old, alongside messages issued by his father and his leading representative figure, has been mourning the loss of a close friend and crucial component of his camp over the last few days.

Starting XI: Ederson; Walker ©, Stones, Akanji, Lewis; Kovacic, Gundogan, De Bruyne; Savinho, Haaland, Grealish.

Substitutes: Ortega Moreno, Dias, Doku, Rodrigo, Bernardo, Gvardiol, Nunes, Foden, McAtee

Player Ratings

Ederson – 7

Was partially at fault for the opening goal, but made a few more saves and had the excellent assist to Erling Haaland to make up for it. It’s been a shaky start to the season for Ederson but this was a return to form for the Brazilian.

Kyle Walker – 6.5

Fell asleep during the first goal but was mostly solid after the fact. Was much better in the second half and nearly had a goal.

John Stones – 6.5

Wasn’t anywhere close to his best in his first start for the club this season. It’s only one match but definitely something to keep an eye on.

Manuel Akanji – 7.5

Dependable as always.

Rico Lewis – 7.5

Solid as always, didn’t misplace a pass per usual. It’s the same rating every time. The challenge of operating on the left and drifting into midfield was a new system for the teenager to grasp at Manchester City, too.

Mateo Kovacic – 6.5

Wasn’t a poor performance but probably his worst of the season so far. Was pulled for his yellow card and Rodri did much better.

Ilkay Gundogan – 7.5

Hasn’t missed a beat since returning. It’s a shame he ever left to begin with because last season could’ve been even better if he was still in the side.

Kevin De Bruyne – 8

Continues to look like a much better version than who we saw at the end of last season. Creative as always without anywhere near as many turnovers.

Savinho – 7.5

Will be a Manchester City player for a long time. Only 20 years old but has already carved a spot for himself in the squad and has perfectly slotted in to the right wing spot.

Erling Haaland – 9 (MOTM)

Best player in the world. Both goals came from nowhere and there’s maybe not any other player in world football who can do what he can.

Jack Grealish – 7.5

Was excellent throughout, was unlucky to have not picked up either a goal or an assist during the second half attack.

Substitutes

Josko Gvardiol – 7.5

Despite a shaky performance against Manchester United in the Community Shield, the Croatian has improved after every performance this season.

Rodri – 8

Immediately looked back at home, the most important player on the team.

Bernardo Silva – No time to mark

Ruben Dias – No time to mark

Matheus Nunes – No time to mark

This post has been edited by kjs86: Sep 15 2024, 04:16 AM

Player Ratings

Ederson: Not great for the opening goal but brilliant after that with his saves, his decision-making and his distribution - particularly the kick that created the second goal. 8

Walker: All over the place at the back, not picking men up at the far post and getting mixed up with Stones over who should cover what. 5

Stones: Probably the most culpable for the goal and made too many errors in the game for City to be comfortable. 5

Akanji: City's most accomplished defender, solid at the back and happy pushing forward in possession. 7

Lewis: Gave his man too much space for the early goal. Worked hard afterwards, but taken off at half-time. 6

Kovacic: Overrun in midfield as Brentford won every second ball in the opening stages, and a clumsy tackle was one of his last acts before a half-time change. 6

Gundogan: Improved as the game went on, linking well with Haaland in the second half. 7

De Bruyne: Nothing came off as he wanted in the game, with loose touches and rash passes scuppering any chances for glory. 6

Savinho: Always driving towards goal, he gave City purpose in the final third. He was booked for diving needlessly trying to win a penalty though. 6

Grealish: Remains the king of the final pass or shot that nearly comes off, but there was enough intent and quality from him on the left. 7

Haaland: Outstanding. Two brilliant goals and a performance that dragged City to three points - all after a difficult week. 9

Substitutes
Rodri (for Kovacic, 46) Quiet but a calming influence as the second half went on. 7

Gvardiol (for Lewis, 46) Pushed up on the left to allow Grealish to drift inside. 7

Dias (for Stones, 84) No time.

Silva (for Grealish, 84) No time.

Nunes (for Savinho, 90) No time.

This post has been edited by kjs86: Sep 15 2024, 04:17 AM

Player Ratings


GK: Ederson - 8/10 - Made some excellent saves to keep City in the contest, while he also came up with his fourth Premier League assist. Couldn't have asked for much more.

RB: Kyle Walker - 5/10 - A slow start to the season wasn't helped by a rather haphazard display here. Some loose passes and touches threatened to hurt his side.

CB: John Stones - 4/10 - If you were to be kind, the

CB: Manuel Akanji - 6/10 - Made to use his recovery pace early doors when Brentford were in the ascendancy straight out of the blocks.

LB: Rico Lewis - 6/10 - Arguably City's strongest defender in the first half before being withdrawn.

CM: Mateo Kovacic - 6/10 - Spread play well when Brentford were looking to shut up shop and protect their early lead. Like Lewis was taken off at the break.

CM: Kevin De Bruyne - 8/10 - Lacks the power of his younger years but remains one of the world's best passers, ever so effortless with his brilliance. City's best outfielder that wasn't on the scoresheet.

CM: Ilkay Gundogan - 6/10 - Handed his first start for City since the 2023 Champions League final. Slotted back in seamlessly without conjuring up anything spectacular.

RW: Savinho - 7/10 - Had joy trying to break free from the doubling up of Collins and Lewis-Potter. The only real blemish on his record was a tragic dive just after the interval, which earned him a needless yellow card.

CF: Erling Haaland - 10/10 - The only reason people aren't shouting to the heavens that he may be the best player in the world is because everything City achieve comes without the fanfare of other clubs. Astonishingly superb once more.

LW: Jack Grealish - 6/10 - Having been freed from the shackles of discipline while away with England, Grealish returned to his 'cut back, keep possession' leash here. Sigh.

Substitutes
SUB: Josko Gvardiol (46' for Lewis) - 7/10 - City were hardly troubled after his introduction at the break.

SUB: Rodri (46' for Kovacic) - 7/10 - Similarly played on autopilot on his return from injury.

SUB: Bernardo Silva (84' for Grealish) - 6/10

SUB: Ruben Dias (84' for Stones) - 6/10

SUB: Matheus Nunes (90' for Savinho) - N/A

Subs not used: Stefan Ortega (GK), James McAtee, J


This post has been edited by kjs86: Sep 15 2024, 04:19 AM

Player Ratings

Ederson (8/10):

Made three vital interventions to prevent Brentford scoring again, then set up Haaland's second with one of his lethal long kicks.

Kyle Walker (6/10):

Not great for the Brentford goal but quickly showed his usual defensive composure and recovery pace. Inches away from scoring a wonder-goal.

John Stones (5/10):

Made a hash of a simple clearance which allowed Wissa to score.

Manuel Akanji (6/10):

His positioning helped stem the early bleeding when Brentford were dominating.

Rico Lewis (5/10):

Less comfortable on the left, where the Brentford goal originated from. Replaced at half-time.

Ilkay Gundogan (7/10):

Lost the ball before Brentford scored, but soon settled back into his usual rhythm and helped City wrestle back control of the game.

Mateo Kovacic (6/10):

Made a sleepy start to the game but then woke up and drove the team forward for the equaliser. Booked for an agricultural challenge on Wissa - which saw the striker hobble off - and subsequently taken off at half-time.

Kevin De Bruyne (6/10):

Worked the ball to Haaland for the equaliser but was often frustrated.

Savinho (8/10):

Twisted his way through Brentford on numerous occasions and dovetailed well with his attackers. Missed one nailed-on chance and was inches away from scoring a tremendous solo goal.

Erling Haaland (9/10):

Scored with his first chance, needing one touch (and a deflection) to equalise. Used his strength for the second. Did everything to get the third, including hitting the post

Jack Grealish (7/10):

Perhaps had his confidence lifted by his fine displays for England and carried on his international form.

Rodri (6/10):

Made his first appearance of the season and was back to his best, dictating the pace of the game and striking up a fine understanding with Gundogan.

Josko Gvardiol (7/10):

His superior strength and experience made him an upgrade on Lewis, defending superbly and providing a big threat going forward.

Bernardo Silva (N/A):

Replaced Grealish in the 84th minute.

Ruben Dias (N/A):

Replaced Stones in the 84th minute.

Matheus Nunes (N/A):

Came on in added time.



Pep Guardiola (6/10):

Will have been furious with early stages, but his two half-time changes gave City control of the second half.

This post has been edited by kjs86: Sep 15 2024, 04:21 AM

Player Ratings

Ederson-8/10: He made several good saves throughout the game. His assist for Haaland’s second was utterly sublime. It was a quality performance from the City’s number-one keeper after a shaky opening.

Kyle Walker-5/10: Walker looked rusty in the first half but was slightly better in the second half. He needs to maintain his concentration at all times as that cost him and City at times today.

John Stones-5/10: He looked rusty in the first half but a lot better in the second half. He should be better going forward after getting through 83 minutes.

Manuel Akanji-7/10: Before Josko Gvardiol’s introduction he was City’s best defender. Another good performance from Akanji.

Rico Lewis-6/10: Not as effective at left-back. He wasn’t City’s worst performer but wasn’t at the high standards he has shown so far this season.

Ilkay Gundogan-6.5/10: It looked like Brentford targeted Gundogan with their press. At times he played well, on other occasions he was caught out by Brentford’s press.

Mateo Kovacic-5.5/10: Replaced by Rodri at halftime. Picked up a yellow card before the interval but not at his best.

Kevin De Bruyne- 7.5/10: He gets such a high mark for his work rate alone. De Bruyne never stopped working for his team. His quality became evident the longer the game went on. In all, another quality performance from De Bruyne.

Jack Grealish-7/10: An almost day from Grealish. Almost scored and almost set up a couple of goals. But he was one of City’s better players on the day.

Savinho-8/10: The Brazilian was brilliant throughout the whole game. He was a constant threat to Brentford’s defence and plays with a maturity beyond his years. The only concern was he may have been substituted with a late injury.

Erling Haaland-10/10: His goals decided the match. Besides his goals, his work rate was outstanding, and on another day could’ve scored 4 or 5. It must be said what he is currently doing isn’t normal. A special mention must be made of his performance, considering the personal loss he and his family suffered during the week.

Substitutes
Rodri-7.5/10: Introduced at halftime with his team needing more control in midfield. He provided that and showed why he is the best midfielder in world football in the second half.

Josko Gvardiol-7.5/10: Like Rodri he helped City gain control of the game after halftime. A superb performance off the bench as he popped up all over the pitch to help his team.

Bernardo Silva-N/A: Not on long enough to mark.

Ruben Dias-N/A: Not on long enough to mark.

Matheus Nunes-N/A: Not on long enough to mark.