Manchester City’s strategy for the Summer transfer window 2025 reflects a thoughtful adjustment rather than a hasty rebuild.
The signings of Rayan Cherki, Tijjani Reijnders, and Rayan Aït-Nouri indicate a deliberate shift toward versatility and positional flexibility. This approach aims to address specific weaknesses that became apparent in previous season.
How Cherki’s Arrival Challenges Guardiola’s System
Rayan Cherki’s arrival from Lyon for 40 million Euro offers Pep Guardiola both an incredible talent and a tactical challenge. The 21-year-old attacking midfielder exemplifies the modern hybrid player, as he is comfortable either drifting wide or operating centrally. However, his integration into Manchester City’s possession-based philosophy needs careful consideration.
Cherki’s profile as a left-footed attacking player who can excel in wide and central midfield roles within 4-2-3-1 and 4-3-3 formations fits well with Guardiola’s preference for spatial interchange. Nevertheless, his playing style introduces intriguing systematic implications.
— Rayan Cherki (@rayan_cherki) June 18, 2025
The Frenchman’s inclination to operate in half-spaces, combined with his exceptional close control, suggests he could take on a role similar to the departed Riyad Mahrez, but with a greater focus on central involvement.
The tactical challenge lies in accommodating Cherki’s reputation for being less intensive during defensive phases and his reluctance to press consistently. This characteristic may require Guardiola to adapt his high-pressing system. This could potentially lead to asymmetrical defensive structures where other players compensate for the youngster’s role-based freedom.
📍🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/vIABtLesvL
— Rayan Cherki (@rayan_cherki) June 14, 2025
One possible solution is to deploy him in specific game situations. Use his creativity against deep-lying defences while managing his playing time during high-intensity pressing phases.
Cherki’s technical ability to manipulate the ball in tight spaces addresses City’s struggles against compact defensive blocks. His capacity to drift between lines and create numerical advantages in attacking zones could help break down organized defences.
The key tactical question is whether Guardiola will modify his system to accommodate the Frenchman’s natural tendencies or gradually shape him to fit the existing framework.
Reijnders Brings Versatility and Tactical Intelligence to City’s Midfield
Tijjani Reijnders, a 26-year-old Netherlands international, has joined from Milan. He is skilled in midfield attack and defence, bringing versatility that matches perfectly with the adaptability valued by Guardiola. This addition is significant, considering the ageing profile of Mateo Kovacic in the midfield.
Reijnders’ systematic intelligence originates from his experience in Serie A, where positional discipline and strategic awareness are essential. His ability to read the game and make interceptions could improve City’s defensive strength during midfield transitions.
The deal is sealed ✍️🤩 pic.twitter.com/jDC9vsN7C5
— Manchester City (@ManCity) June 11, 2025
Unlike purely creative players, Reijnders possesses a unique combination of technical skill and tactical solidity. He can serve as a progressive passer and a defensive shield.
The Dutchman’s pressing resistance and ball-carrying skills meet the needs within City’s system.
His ability to progress the ball from deeper positions can create overloads during attacking phases. This is especially valuable in games where City need to totally dominate against high-pressing opponents.
Hey Cityzens,
Proud to now be part of the City family! Super excited for what’s ahead and ready to give everything for this club. The first challenge is already waiting: the Club World Cup. Time to get to work! @ManCity 🩵 pic.twitter.com/P7u8Sm7m0o
— Tijjani Reijnders (@T_Reijnders) June 11, 2025
From a tactical view, Reijnders’ integration offers Guardiola many formation options. He can play as the most advanced midfielder in a 4-3-3, act as a box-to-box presence in a 4-2-3-1, or even drop deeper to be a lone holding midfielder when flexibility is needed.
This versatility could prove crucial during knockout competitions, where changes in tactics often determine outcomes.
How Rayan Aït-Nouri Strengthens Manchester City’s Tactical Options on the Left
Manchester have acquired Rayan Aït-Nouri from Wolves for 36.3 million euros, effectively addressing their left-back position. At just 24 years old, he embodies the modern full-back archetype, bringing speed, strength, and an ability to contribute in attack. His arrival could significantly improve City’s dynamics in wide play.
Aït-Nouri’s tactical profile shows he can operate within Guardiola’s inverted full-back system while also making traditional overlapping runs when needed. His experience in the Premier League gives him a solid understanding of the physical demands and strategy of English football, an advantage useful during adaptation periods.
Rayan Aït-Nouri won more ground duels than any other full-back/wing-back in the Premier League last season (198). ⚔️
Set for a #ManCity debut this evening? 🩵 pic.twitter.com/RmJMoY6PmU
— WhoScored (@WhoScored) June 18, 2025
The arrival of Aït-Nouri has system-based implications that go beyond simply filling a position. His speed and ability to recover defensively could enable Manchester City to maintain a higher line. They would have the necessary pace to handle counterattacks. This increased confidence could lead to more aggressive pressing and improved ball recovery in advanced positions.
Rayan’s ability to deliver quality crosses and his skills in the final third present interesting opportunities.
Aït-Nouri can add width to the attack and stretch the play, making more space for central players and offering alternative attacking options against teams that successfully congest central areas.
Flexibility and Fluidity Through Strategic Signings
The collective impact of these three signings suggests a gradual evolution in City’s method. Rather than revolutionary change, these additions provide Guardiola with improved tactics and multiple solutions to solving problems.
The creative abilities of Cherki, the versatility of Reijnders, and the offensive contributions of Aït-Nouri could enable more dynamic positional rotation. This fluidity allows City to uphold their possession-based style while introducing unpredictable elements that make it more difficult for opponents to prepare for.
Happy with my first outing as a 𝘽𝙡𝙪𝙚 and getting the job done in our #FIFACWC opener. 🩵🫡 pic.twitter.com/ccEV8CXa1V
— Tijjani Reijnders (@T_Reijnders) June 18, 2025
Each signing addresses specific weaknesses exposed during challenging periods. Cherki provides creativity against low blocks, Reijnders offers midfield stability and progression, while Aït-Nouri supplies defensive recovery and attacking width. Together, they represent a coherent tactical strategy.
Balancing Long-Term Vision with Immediate Tactical Gains
These acquisitions reflect a calculated approach to squad evolution.
The age profiles of 21, 26, and 24, respectively, suggest long-term planning with immediate solutions. Each player has the ability and intelligence to adapt to Guardiola’s demands while offering unique characteristics that enhance overall squad dynamics.
The main tactical challenge now is to integrate these players and optimise the system. Club World Cup 2025 presents an excellent opportunity to test various approaches and refine the system.
Success will ultimately depend on how effectively these individual qualities combine within Guardiola’s framework.
