Three transfers will perfectly fit Pep Guardiola's Man City project

Pep Guardiola will have several interesting options to pick from in the next transfer window

Pep Guardiola’s reign at Manchester City so far has been characterised by record-breaking success and countless trophies, but transfer recruitment remains a questionable area of his time for City at the Etihad Stadium.

Big-money moves for the likes of Kyle Walker, Bernardo Silva and Riyad Mahrez have paid off in the most part, but the inconsistent performances of Joao Cancelo and Benjamin Mendy have been a source of frustration.

Injuries have played a significant part in some transfer flops since Guardiola’s arrival, but it would be fair to say that recruiting for a system like Manchester City requires far more detailed profiling of potential recruits.

The level of detail that goes into Guardiola’s instructions is said to be far more complex than most other managers in world football which means that he needs to have players at his disposal that can take such commands onboard.

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Such a demand means that the recruitment process at Manchester City often requires players to have played in similar systems to the ones most used at the Etihad Stadium. However, there always remains a degree of risk in whether players will be able to deal with the expectations outlined by the Manchester City boss.

As a result, recruiting players with the right mentality to mould into Guardiola’s tactical system is equally as important as having impressive physical attributes. Here, we outline three tactically interesting players that could function well under the Spanish manager.

Ben White, Brighton & Hove Albion (on loan at Leeds United)

The Leeds United loanee is to be recalled by Brighton & Hove Albion at the end of the season but he has shown many signs that he could be developed into an impressive ball-playing defender.

A dream signing for Leeds should they earn promotion, Manchester City have the power to swoop in and defy the Whites.

His performances in the Championship this season have led to widespread recognition of his abilities at just 22 years of age and Guardiola may do well to scout him as an affordable defensive option to develop in the coming seasons.

If the Spanish boss is comfortable with investing in more long-term prospects, White could prove to be a wise investment. 0.12 key passes per 90 so far this season is impressive for a centre half and the fact that he has played in a complex system under Marcelo Bielsa might be another indicator that he is destined to play at the top.

Brighton & Hove Albion may look to give White game time in the Premier League next season and such minutes could be a crucial point in whether he can make the progression at the top level.

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Houssem Aouar, Lyon

The 21-year-old has been closely linked with a move to Manchester City and Guardiola is rumoured to be an admirer of his talents.

Aouar is reportedly free to leave Lyon in the next transfer for a fee of around £45m and Manchester City could be the ideal destination. The attacking midfielder has been in fine form over the past few seasons and is widely regarded as an exciting young talent in French football.

Data provider Wyscout credits him with 0.39 key passes per 90 minutes which is far better than Rodri’s 0.13 so far this season. Therefore, he could be more likely to emulate David Silva as an attacking midfield option.

Aouar’s high volume of activity in attacking with 5.49 successful actions per 90 minutes shows him to be adept at functioning in attack and such strengths could be crucial when Silva leaves at the end of the season.

Milan Skriniar, Inter Milan

Manchester City’s search for a centre back to partner Aymeric Laporte is likely to be increased in the next transfer window with Fernandinho heading towards the end of his career.

Inter Milan’s Skriniar is an interesting option that has previously been linked with a move to the Etihad Stadium and for good reason, too. The Slovakian is adept at playing out from the back with impressive statistics but he also boasts the defensive solidity that Guardiola desperately needs.

A total of 7.84 successful defensive duels per 90 ranks higher than John Stones, Nicolas Otamendi and Laporte. However, he appears an interesting talent from a tactical perspective and could add ball-playing qualities suited to Manchester City’s system.

25.75 forward passes per 90 at a success rate of 90.55% shows him to be a very impressive ball-playing centre half who is performing at a similar rate to Guardiola’s most trusted defensive option, Laporte.