Manchester City expected to be headed to the Champions League final. The writing was on the wall for the Citizens to clinch their spot against Liverpool in the final, before Rodrygo and Real Madrid staged a stunning last-minute comeback to rip the semifinal back into their grasp and book a trip to Paris. It'll be back to the drawing board for Pep Guardiola and Co. as the coveted Champions League title eludes him. This will go down as another disappointing campaign for Guardiola and Manchester City, and they'll be more determined than ever to reach finally win the Champions League final next season. As usual, expect a flurry of movement in the transfer market from the Premier League giants, who have a seemingly endless source of funding from ownership. Some big names could be on the roster next year, and with that in mind, here are three Manchester City signings the club must make in order to reach the 2023 Champions League final, including Erling Haaland.
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3 signings Man City must make to reach 2023 Champions League final
3. James Ward-Prowse – Southampton
While striker is the main need for Manchester City, the team can also use another playmaker in the midfield. James Ward-Prowse is the most underrated player in the Premier League, or he was until this season. He was tremendous for Southampton all year long, catching the eye of all of the top clubs in the EPL, including Manchester City. His masterclass on set pieces, particularly his ability to find the back of the net on free kicks, makes him an intriguing option for any team. At £40 million, Ward-Prowse would be a sensible option for Manchester City to add some depth to the midfield and a free-kick specialist.
This season for Southampton, Ward-Prowse has featured in 33 matches, scoring 9 goals and adding 5 assists. Those are tremendous numbers for a box-to-box style midfielder, who could prove to be a valuable addition for any interested club. Expect Manchester City to be at the forefront of his market when he eventually leaves Southampton.
2. Declan Rice – West Ham
Another English midfielder could be headed to Manchester, though which club remains to be seen. Both Manchester United and Manchester City have been linked to the West Ham defensive midfielder, who has risen to superstardom for the Hammers over the past few years. The 23-year-old has featured in every game for West Ham this season and has been a crucial player for both the English national team, and his domestic club. He'll cost a hefty price tag if Manchester City does opt to pursue him, but he's one of the country's best defensive-minded midfield talents and can already claim the title of being a star.
West Ham has risen to prominence over the past few seasons, and much of their success can be attributed to the consistent and dominant play of Rice in the center of the field. He is excellent at dispossessing opponents and linking-up play to the attacking third, and Manchester City could certainly use a player who fits that billing.
1. Erling Haaland – Borussia Dortmund
Is there really another choice to top this list? Erling Haaland is certain to leave Borussia Dortmund this summer, and the clear favorites as of now are Manchester City. Haaland has long been rumored to want to play for Pep Guardiola, and he'd get that chance in Manchester while competing for Champions League trophies year in and year out. He's the best player at his age in the world, and one of the most prolific goalscoring talents we've seen in recent years.
With striker being the major hole on Manchester City's roster, the move for Haaland not only makes sense, but it's practically essential. Failing to land the Norwegian superstar would be a huge blow to the Citizens' summer transfer window. The team is likely expecting to have him in their ranks next year, and he could be the difference-maker between them coming up short in a semifinal and making (and possibly winning) the Champions League final.
This season in the Bundesliga, Haaland has 21 goals and 8 assists in 22 games, showcasing his ability as a world-class goalscorer at just 21 years of age.
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