Man City's transfer business signals a tactical shift by Pep Guardiola

Manchester City's squad refresh is in full swing and some very specific changes may signal a slight tactical shift by Pep Guardiola next season.

There have been two iterations of Guardiola's City team. The first was in 2017/18, where a front three of Leroy Sané, Raheem Sterling and Sergio Agüero - still seen as one of the deadliest trios in Premier League history - scored 106 goals and amassed 100 points.

Typically, the two wingers would stay high and wide before making a late run to the byline. David Silva and Kevin De Bruyne in the number eight positions would find the space to thread a pass between the centre-back and full-back, with a simple cut-back normally leading to a tap-in.

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It was electric, incisive and high-intensity football, and City's record-breaking 198 points across two seasons was a testament to the relentless winning machine Guardiola had created. Agüero's departure - and subsequent failure to recruit a number nine - forced the Catalan into changing his system - the famous false-nine.

For the past two seasons, the Blues have won back-to-back Premier League titles without a recognised striker. The system intrinsically relies on patience and specialist midfielders working openings in the tight spaces. Which is why we've seen the likes of Bernardo Silva and Riyad Mahrez particularly thrive.

It was an idea some would say was born by accident, but it's another move that's testament to Guardiola's genius and his ability to adapt in difficult situations.

This summer's business has signalled another slight tactical shift, with Erling Haaland completing his long-awaited move from Borussia Dortmund in June. City have finally recruited