The football world was not left in shock when Kylian Mbappe announced his departure from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and hinted at a potential move to Real Madrid. With Mbappe's talent and ambition, it appears inevitable that he will join Real Madrid in their pursuit of Champions League glory next season. Real Madrid, a team already filled with talented players like Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior, already reached the finals this year, and Mbappe's addition would undoubtedly strengthen their squad even more. Meanwhile, Manchester City‘s campaign was cut short when they lost to Real Madrid in the quarterfinals, making it clear that they need to take steps to keep up with the Spanish giants in the Champions League next year. Let's explore three key areas where Manchester City must focus their efforts to remain competitive:

Manchester City need a bigger squad

Manchester City has struggled with a grueling fixture schedule, resulting in injuries and fatigue among the players. Manager Pep Guardiola himself has acknowledged the challenges faced by the team. The absence of key players like Kyle Walker, John Stones, and Nathan Ake due to injuries has further strained the squad. Additionally, goalkeeper Ederson recently returned from a month-long absence, and is still seem to be in the healing curve. The heavy workload has taken a toll on players like Rodri, who has shown signs of wear and tear and has called for rest.

To overcome these challenges, Manchester City needs to strengthen their squad with more starting players in various positions. By adding depth to the team, Guardiola will have the flexibility to rotate players effectively, reducing the risk of injuries and fatigue. Currently, the team heavily relies on star players like Erling Haaland, Phil Foden, and Kyle Walker. However, providing more playtime to emerging talents like Jeremy Doku and Alejandro Gomez Alvarez would benefit the team, especially during demanding schedules.

Fix the left-back eeakness 

Manchester City has long struggled to find a reliable left-back. The lack of a specialist in this position has left the team vulnerable in defense and limited their attacking options on the left flank. If this does not change, Kylian Mbappe will find his way to the Citizens net with ease. While players like Nathan Ake and Josko Gvardiol have filled in as left-backs, they are primarily center-backs and not natural in that role.

To address this weakness, Manchester City should prioritize signing a quality left-back who can provide stability and balance to their defense. Having a specialist in this position will strengthen the team's overall defensive structure and offer more attacking options on the left side of the pitch. One perfect target for this role is Alphonso Davies, whose speed, defensive skills, and attacking contributions make him an ideal fit for Manchester City.

Sign a new midfielder

Manchester City needs a reliable midfielder to challenge Mbappe on the field. The Citizens are making bold moves in the upcoming transfer window, with reports indicating their interest in Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, who would be a perfect fit for this role. Pep Guardiola sees him as a key addition to the City squad. While Douglas Luiz and Joshua Kimmich are also options, Guimaraes sits atop their shortlist for midfield reinforcements due to his impressive performances.

Guimaraes seems tailor-made for Guardiola's system at City. As a holding midfielder, he can seamlessly partner with Rodri to provide stability in midfield. His desire to play alongside Erling Haaland suggests his ambition to thrive in City's attacking setup. Guardiola's admiration for Guimaraes' talents further strengthens the prospect of a potential move to Manchester.

Signing Guimaraes would mark the beginning of a new era in City's midfield. His arrival would provide healthy competition for places and elevate the overall quality of the squad. Furthermore, Guimaraes' presence could inspire his teammates to raise their performance levels. With Ilkay Gundogan's absence from the squad, securing Guimaraes' signature would ensure long-term midfield reinforcements for Manchester City.

To compete with Kylian Mbappe and Real Madrid in the next season, Manchester City must address key areas of improvement. Strengthening the squad with more starting players, fixing the left-back weakness, and reinforcing the midfield will enhance their chances of success in the Champions League. Additionally, players like Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne need to continue to improve and stay healthy, while Phil Foden must maintain his impressive form that he is rocking recently in the Premier League. By taking these proactive steps, Manchester City can position themselves as formidable contenders in European football and strive for Champions League glory.