Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak is willing to add to his title-winning squad next season – but only if new signings improve upon the riches the club already have.
Pep Guardiola’s side enjoyed a season that will go down in Premier League folklore, breaking records for points earned (100) and goals scored (106) amid numerous others on the way to their third title in seven years.
All this was achieved by a group that had an average age of 23 as youngsters such as Ederson, Aymeric Laporte, Bernardo Silva and Benjamin Mendy all strengthened the squad.
Guardiola went close to adding Leicester winger Riyad Mahrez in January while Napoli midfielder Jorginho is one of many rumoured targets.
However, Al Mubarak admits that it will take a very special player to improve upon the current unit, with City’s young core only likely to get better.
“Any additions have to improve the squad and this is my biggest learning from the years of chairing this club,” said Al Mubarak, who has been in place since 2008.
“When winning, bringing new players in is a very important decision because you have a winning formula.
“Whatever you’re going to add has to be a decision that you don’t take lightly. You have to bring players that strengthen and add competition to the squad – that is key.”
Despite such a dominant season, City will be wary of resting on their laurels after Real Madrid were caught cold in La Liga last season and could only finish third.
Los Blancos, of course, have a Champions League final to look forward to. European silverware has remained elusive for City this year – yet under coach Guardiola, who recently signed a new three-year deal, Al Mubarak insists motivation will never be a concern.
“We have a coach in Pep that is relentless,” added the Emirati entrepreneur, who is also the CEO of Mubadala. “There is not going to be any content here or relaxation, that I can assure you.
“This summer we are going to come back and be hungry, and be more aggressive, and continue to grow and improve. Today we have a superb, high-quality squad. You don’t get to 100 points without that.”
