Manchester City have been linked with a move for Paris Saint-Germain full-back Achraf Hakimi
Erling Haaland and Pep Guardiola (Image: Peter Byrne/PA Wire)
Manchester City have set the bar for next season unbelievably high, even by their own standards. After an unforgettable title-winning season, Pep Guardiola’s men will go in search of glory again.
Is it possible to improve from here? Time will ultimately tell, but City must be hungry to keep writing their own history – motivated by the incredible success so far and the chance to enjoy some more.
As another summer heats up, the speculation is starting to swirl around who may be stepping in and out of the blue machine. But, along with the consistent instances of tactical genius, Guardiola’s ability to cope with squad change has undoubtedly made his work in Manchester so impressive.
It is part of the fascination around City, too. A squad that is always evolving, adapting and introducing – yet has always felt very similar for the majority of its time under Guardiola. But the 52-year-old sure knows when, and how to rebuild. Yaya Toure, Vincent Kompany, David Silva, Sergio Aguero and Fernandinho left five years on the bounce but Pep and City stayed relentless in their excellence.
Pablo Zabaleta departed in 2017 too – the same year Kyle Walker arrived at the Etihad Stadium and began a journey which he is still on today. Time could well be ticking for City’s electric full-back, though, with reports of Bayern Munich interest with Walker’s contract up in the summer of 2024. All the noises around Walker have been that he wants to see that deal out, with no intention to leave just yet.
Joao Cancelo’s days at City look numbered and if Hakimi does prove to be the man, City’s leading marksman in Erling Haaland would seemingly welcome such an addition – judging by his previous comments on his old Borussia Dortmund teammate. When asked about the best African players he has played with in an interview, Haaland said last year: “I think the best is Achraf Hakimi and Riyad Mahrez. They were both high level.”
But Guardiola knows when it’s the right time to freshen it up and move on, which make the recent reports linking City to Paris Saint-Germain star Achraf Hakimi particularly intriguing. At 24 years of age, Hakimi’s very best days are likely to still be ahead – and there is surely not a soul who would doubt Guardiola’s ability to get those out of him.
Strong technically and athletically, Hakimi is one leading candidate to fill City’s Walker void – whenever that time arrives. A player of exceptional pedigree – spells at Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Inter and PSG – the Morocco international is a player you could envisage flying up and down the right flank, while learning and progressing under Guardiola.