From Yaya Toure to Vincent Kompany, and David Silva: Manchester City in Transition

Change, it is said, is the only constant.

Just two seasons ago, three of the most important players ever to file out for Manchester City lifted the first league title of the Pep Guardiola era. Fast forward over a year later and two of them have already left the club. A third member of this elite group Silva has revealed his decision to leave the club at the end of the coming campaign.

Fortunately, the club is in good hands as the current crop of players have proven capable of taking the Sky Blues to the next level. While there has been talk of a center back replacement for Vincent Kompany, the current options available are poised to do a good job when saddled with the responsibility. Aymeric Laporte has been a quality addition to the side since joining from Athletic Bilbao.

John Stones formed a good partnership with the Frenchman last term. The duo will likely become the first choice pairing for Guardiola moving forward. It’s still unclear if Nicolas Otamendi will stay after rumours emerged during the campaign he was seeking a move away. However, Kompany’s departure may be all that’s required for him to reconsider his stance. He can now play with either of Laporte and Stones or as a backup for the duo.

As for the midfield, Guardiola was prepared for the future from the get go. The Catalan manager brought in Ilkay Gundogan from Borussia Dortmund to provide backup for the ageing Fernandinho while Bernardo Silva came in to understudy and take over from his namesake.

Both players settled in well and are now key members of the squad. In fact, they’ve been so good City remained strong and broke records last season despite injuries and fitness issues from Kevin De Bruyne and Fernandinho during the campaign. David Silva will leave the club in good hands after next term.

With the expected arrival of Rodri from Atletico Madrid, Fernandinho will also be adequately replaced when he does leave.

Just like the case with Silva, another area the club has done excellent recruitment is in replacing the remaining member of the old guard upfront. Gabriel Jesus is primed to step into Sergio Aguero’s shoes quite perfectly when the Argentine finally exits the stage. The Brazilian has been a good student of the City legend and could also write his name in gold in the years to come.

All in all, it has been a smooth transition that has produced success on and off the pitch. City looks good to continue the progress attained in the last several years. Thumbs up to the club’s hierarchy for a job well done!