Toby Camplin: City Watch

Following the result of the Euros, it’s honestly been nice to have a few weeks not thinking about football before the circus all begins again.

It’s just over two weeks before our opening game against Manchester United in the Communuty Shield and it felt like yesterday that the 2023/24 season came to an end against West Ham with City lifting their fourth Premier League title in a row.

Despite the continued success of the team, Manchester City have shown once again why they’re one of the most dominant forces both on and off the pitch early on in the transfer window. Last week, the Blues announced the signing of Brazilian winger, Savinho from fellow City Football Grouo club Troyes. The 20 year old spent last season on loan to Girona, also part of the CFG, helping the Spanish side to a third place finish and Champions League football for the first time.

The transfer came with it’s own speculation and controversy, like most things surrounding the club do these days, with questions raised as the Brazilian never made a single appearance for Troyes despite being their record signing. 

With all the talk of the 115 charges constantly being brought up when the club is discussed, I’d rather make this column about what’s important, which is what happens on the football pitch. Savinho provides a similar option to what Jeremy Doku can contribute, pace and skill on the wing. I feel like since Leroy Sane  Raheem Sterling and Riyad Mahrez left the club, we’ve lacked two quick wingers who cause issues for defenders with their speed and agility.

We’ve seen in past seasons where City’s squad depth has played a large part in the consistent success of the club and the Brazilian winger will only add to this incredible list of talented players at Pep Guardiola’s disposal. Usually a signing like this from would indicate the end of the road for another player, with the club proving that no one is bigger than the team and can be replaced if required. 

In this instance though, the only real sign I can see is that Phil Foden will be switched to a more central role, as the wings will now be covered by Jack Grealish, Jeremy Doku and, of course, Savinho.

I’d love to see the new man have his introduction in the Community Shield early next month, but as we’ve seen in the last, Pep likes to integrate players slowly into the team, but I’m sure he’ll have a quick impact either way.

City began their pre-season campaign in the early hours of Wednesday morning in the first leg of their US tour. The Blues took on Celtic at the Kenan Memorial Stadium in North Carolina, looking to build some momentum in the lead up to the 2024/25 season.

With many ‘first choice’ players still on their break following Euro 2024, the lineup featured only a handful of senior squad members. Those included last season’s top scorer Erling Haaland, record signing Jack Grealish, and the out of favour Kalvin Phillips.

Celtic took a surprise lead early on before being pegged back by a strike from Oscar Bobb. Two quickfire goals then put Celtic 3-1 up before goals from Maximo Perrone and Erling Haaland levelled up the scoring at 3-3.

Despite the shift in momentum, it was Celtic who found a winner, with Luis Palma popping up 20 minutes from time to seal the victory.

A shock defeat for the Blues, but not one you can read too much into, considering the wholesale changes to the 11.

Up next for Pep Guardiola’s men is a clash with 7 time European Cup winners AC Milan.