EPL: Who Needs What In Summer Transfer Window?

Aug 6, 2014; Portland, OR, USA; Bayern Munich forward Robert Lewandowski (left) battles for the ball with MLS All Stars defenseman Michael Parkhurst (23) of the Columbus Crew during the 2014 MLS All Star Game at Providence Park. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports /

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Jul 1, 2014; Salvador, BRAZIL; Belgium midfielder Kevin De Bruyne (7) reacts against USA during the round of sixteen match in the 2014 World Cup at Arena Fonte Nova. Belgium defeated USA 2-1 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Manchester City

Players In:

Patrick Roberts – Fulham

Raheem Sterling – Liverpool

Enes Unal – Bursaspor

Fabian Delph – Aston Villa

Players Out:

Scott Sinclair – Aston Villa

James Milner – Liverpool

Micah Richards – Aston Villa, Free

Man City have acted with purpose in this transfer window, clearly not content with their second place finish last season. They have also spent significant sums bringing in homegrown English talent as they are aware of the squad regulations in place in the Premier League.

Fabian Delph must rank as one of the more unlikely Man City targets, but the more you consider the move, the more it makes sense. Delph could well be an England regular for the next few years and adds depth to their midfield, with Frank Lampard’s loan stay ending.

Defender

Jul 1, 2014; Salvador, BRAZIL; Belgium defender Vincent Kompany (4) against USA during the round of sixteen match in the 2014 World Cup at Arena Fonte Nova. Belgium defeated USA 2-1 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

I was not alone in seeing some major vulnerability in Vincent Kompany last season, not too dissimilar to the struggles Martin Demichelis endured the season before. Eliaquim Mangala was not the player we all thought he would be and all these factors combine to suggest that City could do with a top class center back.

Despite not being heavily linked with any high-profile central defender, I think it would be an oversight to not enter the market. They have spent heavily in the attacking third, but an addition like Mats Hummels or Nicolas Otamendi would round out their squad.

Defensive Midfielder

The same argument goes for a defensive midfielder. Man United showed last season that you can have all the attacking talent in the world, but ultimately only eleven player can play at once and at least four or five need to be defense minded. Their squad was top-heavy and Man City are staring at that possibility too.

Fernando and Fernandinho are their current options, with the likes of Yaya Toure and Fabian Delph more like box to box midfielders. They need a shield in front of their back four, who can look shaky when exposed. William Carvalho is young, promising and would not break the bank.

Next: Manchester United's activity and requirements

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