The 2015/2016 season saw many ups and downs for Manchester city. Perhaps the biggest change was the departure of the Chilean Manuel Pellegrini and appointment of football’s highly regarded coach, Pep Guardiola. The Citizens certainly expect him to transform the team’s look. Keeping Pep’s anticipation aside, the season which turned out to be a fairy tale for Leicester City, was a disappointing one for Manchester City. Leicester’s efforts to win the Premier League kept Manchester City on the back foot. However, a positive that emerged out of the season was the consistency of Kevin de Bruyne. His tremendous effort by providing a number of assists and turned him into a leading play-maker.

The untimely announcement of managerial change also proved to be a major hurdle for City’s title charge. They struggled with two major players who were out with injuries for significant amount of time. Aguero and Kompany’s consistent injuries and inconsistent performance last season played huge impact in their lack-lustre campaign.

Players Sold/Left

Manchester city had a “HART-BREAK” on deadline day of the summer transfer window. The England goalkeeper who has been a fan favorite at the Etihad didn’t make the cut in Pep Guardiola’s standards. Though he looked happy with his transfer to Torino on a season long loan. Hart was let go, considering his future at Manchester City against the newly bought Chilean goalkeeper Claudio Bravo for 18m euros (plus add-ons).

A few more players departed this season from the Etihad, the likes of Wilfried Bony who was loaned out to Stoke City. Samir Nasri moved out on a season long loan deal to Sevilla. Centre-back Mangala was loaned out to Valencia for the rest of the season.

Key Players Brought In

Having spent in excess to £150m over the summer, City boss Guardiola is set to start with a newly induced side. Signing İlkay Gündogan , Nolito, and Brazilian golden boy Gabriel Jesus who is set to join in January, has changed the way Manchester City worked. With John Stones replacing Mangala, the late signing of 19 year old Colombia international Marlos Moreno and the talented Leroy Sane, clearly showed what Pep has been thinking about City’s future.

Landing John Stones, City’s defence still remain a weak spot this summer. The wall of City Vincent Kompany still struggling with injuries. Nolito who has  played under Guardiola before, is expected to have an instant impact on the playing style brought by new the boss. The squad looks good this season with Kevin De Bruyne, who had established himself very well in Manchester along with Fabian Delph, Jesus Navas and the playmaker David Silva. Ikay Gundogan is expected to provide a healthy competition for the starting place with Fernandinho. The triggers are in the hand of all-time favourite Sergio Aguero and the youngster Kelechi Ihenacho who has been a tremendous boost to the squad.

For complete list of Manchester City transfers, visit here.

Expected impact players for the season

John Stones and Leroy Sane are the players to watch this season. Otamendi provides a good back up option and Stones looks destined for an outright elite level. Leroy sane, the man to watch out for, is still set to make a positive impact with his new club. The 20 year old winger has a lot of potential to deliver. With Sterling, Toure and Sagna, City have an awful lot of ability, professionalism and experience to call upon.

Will Pep’s newly formed City side deliver the best and add few more trophies to City’s cabinet this year? Time to see what Pep has in his mind.

Complete Squad of Manchester City for 2016-2017 season.

Picture Courtesy:Google, DailyStar, SkySports, ESPN