2021 could be regarded as a successful year for Manchester City, with Pep Guardiola’s side retaining the Premier League title and heading into the New Year top of the table in what is set to be a three-way battle for the English top-flight throne.
League Cup success was followed by a staggering run to the UEFA Champions League final, where Chelsea bested City in what was a low-point for the Manchester giants. However, the Cityzens are making strides to amend this historic defeat.
Guardiola’s men breezed past a Champions League group containing Lionel Messi’s PSG and RB Leipzig. And heading into 2022, City are strongly positioned for another successful year. But what are the club’s main top targets as we approach the end of 2021?
Sign Erling Haaland
This feature could realistically be three detailed bullet points on why City have to sign Erling Haaland, but for the sake of human sanity, we will just keep it to the top target.
The Norwegian international is destined to leave Borussia Dortmund in 2022, and if reports are to be believed, City are one of the favourites to sign Haaland, with the club needing a long-term replacement for Sergio Aguero.
With a reported release clause of €75m (£63m), City have the finances to afford the striker, especially if Ferran Torres makes his rumoured exit from the club to FC Barcelona. And given the interest in Haaland, Guardiola’s side have to ensure they are first to the punch for the 21-year-old sensation.
Resolve Raheem Sterling’s future
Torres is not the only player who has been linked with a move to Catalonia, with Raheem Sterling also being reported with a transfer to Barcelona in the New Year. However, recent form could stop this move.
The England international has returned to the City XI and has been one of the club’s best players. And with reports of a new contract, the Manchester club have to make a definitive decision on the 26-year-old winger in 2022.
Indeed, the attacker has proven that he can be a brilliant asset to the club, with Sterling becoming one of the youngest players in Premier League history to score 100 league goals.
Moreover, the forward’s performance have made a huge difference in City’s lead in the title race, and a decision has to be made on the former Liverpool star’s future soon.
Finally win the Champions League
After the heartbreak in Porto in May, City will no doubt be eager to make things right by winning the Champions League this season. And based on performances in Europe, the Manchester giants could be one of the favourites.
The Premier League side eased past a group that one paper was one of the hardest in the competition. And with a relatively easy Round of 16 clash against Sporting Lisbon on the horizon, there’s a chance City could make another run to the final.
However, the one thing that Guardiola must ensure he doesn’t do is to try and play it smart as he has done in previous tournaments which, ultimately backfired.
City playing their way of football with their system could be enough to win them the Champions League, and the Catalan manager has to make sure he doesn’t try something outrageous in major matches.
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