Did Manchester City make a mistake in the transfer window? Only time will reveal the answer to that question | OneFootball

The 2024 summer transfer window has now come and gone. Manchester City saw Ilkay Gundogan and Savinho arrive as their most notable additions. Sergio Gomez and Julian Alvarez were the major first-team members of the City squad to depart this summer. In the case of Julian Alvarez was it a mistake by Manchester City to let the striker depart for Atletico Madrid? Only time will tell the answer to that question going forward.

Speaking during his pre-game press conference yesterday ahead of today’s Premier League clash with West Ham Pep Guardiola was asked about the sale of Julian Alvarez. He said his squad has options to replace the departed striker. But Guardiola added it could potentially be a mistake by Manchester City to sell Alvarez and not replace the World Cup winner. He told the media: “I’m happy with the squad. We didn’t expect Julian to leave, although he had conversations a long time ago with other clubs and his agent, so it could happen, and in the end, it happened. We saw what we have. If we have many injuries, it will be a problem, but in a few months, Oscar Bobb will be back (from injury), and Phil (Foden) is in that position; McAtee can play in that position; Gundogan can play in that position. They are different players to Erling of course. Maybe it is a mistake, I don’t know but I don’t like leaving players without playing for a long time.”

It’s too early to judge Manchester City’s decision to sell Julian Alvarez and not replace him.

At face value, it is clear why it may be perceived as a mistake by Manchester City not to replace Julian Alvarez. The world champions currently only have Erling Haaland as a recognised striker in their squad. Given the amount of football City plays, that is a risk. Last season Erling Haaland missed two months of the season due to a foot injury. In his absence, Julian Alvarez stepped up and was a key contributor during Haaland’s absence. If the same scenario was presented this season there isn’t a striker in City’s squad capable of stepping up to fill Haaland’s shoes. But that scenario hasn’t occurred, and as Pep Guardiola pointed out, he has different options at his disposal this season.

To give Erling Haaland rest or if City’s star striker is injured or suspended Guardiola now has a host of different options. The false 9 that has served Guardiola so well looks to play in this season. That opens up a plethora of different options for the City manager. Ilkay Gundogan has played the role to devastating effect previously. Kevin De Bruyne and Phil Foden can also step into the role if required. Perhaps James McAtee or Oscar Bobb could also rise to that challenge. There are options for Manchester City besides an out-and-out striker this season. It will be something different when Erling Haaland isn’t available for City this season. But that challenge usually brings out the best in Pep Guardiola and his team.

Summary

Only time will tell if Manchester City have made a mistake in not buying another striker to replace Julian Alvarez. There is case to be made that City have and haven’t made an error in the market. But a definitive answer to that question will only be known in time. Based on Pep Guardiola’s record the challenge of playing with only one recognised striker is one that he will relish. He has conquered the Premier League without a recognised striker before. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see him do it with only Erling Haaland as his recognised striker this campaign.