Manchester City have opened the Premier League season with two victories, but manager Enzo Maresca has made it clear that the squad remains incomplete. With the transfer window closing on Tuesday night, the club's hierarchy is working to secure two specific additions that would give the manager the balanced, competitive squad he demands.
Maresca's philosophy is straightforward: two players for every position, with an emphasis on versatility and healthy competition. This approach has been visible in the opening wins against Bournemouth and Crystal Palace, where players have shifted roles to adapt to the demands of each match.
Why does Maresca want two players in every position?
Speaking this week, Maresca explained his reasoning. 'I think the right idea is to have two players in each position. They need to compete between them. The standard is higher when they compete for every game. So for me the ideal is to have two players in each position.'
He also acknowledged the demands of a long season. 'In this moment we have three or four in this number who are Academy players, so thinking we are playing maybe 65 games this season we probably need more numbers.'
This is a sensible, disciplined approach. Competition raises standards, and a club competing on four fronts cannot rely on a thin squad. City currently have 21 or 22 senior players, including a few promising academy graduates, but the manager believes more bodies are required.
Where does the City squad stand now?
The goalkeeping department is secure with Gianluigi Donnarumma and Geronimo Rulli. Defence also looks well stocked with five centre back options in Ruben Dias, Marc Guehi, Josko Gvardiol, Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis, several of whom can also cover at full back.
Midfield is where the concern lies. Ayyoub Bouaddi made his debut on Friday after a significant move from Lille, and he joins Elliot Anderson and Mateo Kovacic as options. However, the club are still hoping to land Enzo Fernandez from Chelsea in what would be a record deal for the club. This would address the clear lack of depth in the centre of the park.
In attack, Rayan Cherki and Phil Foden provide quality in the number 10 role, while Jeremy Doku and Antoine Semenyo are the first choice wide men alongside Erling Haaland. But with Jack Grealish close to leaving, and Omar Marmoush and Savinho already departed, the attacking areas need reinforcement.
What transfers are needed before the deadline?
Maresca is looking for two more attacking players to support the first choice trio of Haaland, Semenyo and Doku. A new arrival capable of playing up top or out wide, essentially a replacement for Marmoush, is considered a necessity. Brazilian Allan is expected to join once his move is formalised, and Everton's Iliman Ndiaye has been linked, with Liverpool's Cody Gakpo also mentioned.
If City can secure a versatile attacker and add Fernandez before the 11pm deadline on Tuesday, Maresca will have the squad size he desires and a player he desperately wants. This would set the club up for what promises to be a demanding and exciting campaign.
What does this mean for City's season?
City's start has been encouraging, but the manager knows that squad depth will define the season. The club's willingness to back him with the right signings, rather than panic purchases, reflects a measured and responsible approach. The next two days will determine whether Maresca gets exactly what he needs.