Inside the data-driven recruitment strategy behind Manchester City's squad overhaul

At the heart of Manchester City's sustained success lies a sophisticated, data-driven operation designed to answer a singular, fundamental question: "What does it take to win?" By leveraging a massive database of 650,000 players, the club has systematically overhauled its squad, retaining only four players from their historic 2023 Treble-winning campaign.

The metrics machine: identifying and evaluating talent

Manchester City’s recruitment process is built on a rigorous three-pillar framework: identifying potential targets, evaluating their specific skill sets, and assessing how the club can further develop them. This approach aims to minimize risk in every market transaction, whether buying or selling.

The process begins with a global database of 650,000 footballers. When a specific position is identified, the club applies filters—such as a full-back's tendency to defend, invert into midfield, or play high and wide—to narrow the list down to 20 to 50 candidates. These names are then cross-referenced with traditional scouting reports to ensure a holistic view of the player.

Balancing algorithms with human expertise

While data provides the foundation, the club maintains that human judgment remains paramount. Sporting director Hugo Viana emphasized that data is only one piece of the puzzle. "We know data cannot tell us everything about a player," Viana told BBC Sport. "It cannot fully show a person's character, mentality, or behaviour. That is why we study data insights but focus on the expertise of our scouts and other specialists."

Once the list is refined to about six players, the club conducts deep-dive investigations. This includes analyzing injury records, athletic performance, and behavioral habits. This data is compiled into "acquisition packs," which feature radar charts and "action value scores" that compare the player against current City stars and rivals in similar roles.

From data points to pitch performance

The system is also used to track the development of current players. For instance, when Jeremy Doku was signed in 2023, his initial metrics for "making the box" were relatively low. Since joining, his improvement in that specific area serves as a case study for how City’s data systems help tailor training to enhance a player's output.

The club’s forensic approach extends even to high-profile signings like Elliot Anderson. Despite Anderson’s metrics not initially appearing as a "no-brainer" due to his role in a non-possession-based system at Nottingham Forest, the club’s analysts looked beyond surface-level statistics. By identifying his potential to adapt to a possession-heavy style, City successfully secured his signature, demonstrating that while data is the starting point, the final decision remains a blend of algorithmic insight and expert footballing intuition.