As the January transfer window approaches, we’ve taken a look at Manchester City’s transfer targets for the upcoming window.
Pep Guardiola’s side cruised through to the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League, winning all six group games.
But in the Premier League, things aren’t going quite to plan. In their last six matches, they have won just once, beating newly-promoted Luton Town.
Defeat to Aston Villa along with draws against Chelsea, Tottenham, Liverpool and Crystal Palace have left City fourth in the table, five points off leaders Arsenal.
Of course, City were eight points adrift of the Gunners at one stage last season, before roaring back to win yet another title.
But if the champions are to make it four in a row this year, they may need some reinforcements from the transfer market.
To give you an idea of who they might be setting their sights on, here’s a look at some Manchester City transfer targets for January.
Manchester City Transfer Targets
According to reports, Manchester City are interested in bringing Leroy Sane back to the Premier League. The German international left City for Bayern Munich in 2020, but now has only 18 months left on his contract.
If he does not renew his deal, we could see Bayern cash in on the 27-year-old. Sane has made a good start to this season, with nine goals and nine assists in 23 games for the Bavarian outfit.
It seems more likely that the player would want to leave, rather than be forced out by the Bundesliga club. Sane has 47 goals and 46 assists in his three years in Munich, so it’s unlikely they’d want him out the door.
City made £55 million from selling Sane to Bayern, but would be hoping to buy him back for less. It may not be as simple as hoped though, with Liverpool also reportedly interested in the winger.
8 – Leroy Sané is the only player in Europe's big five leagues this season to have both scored and assisted (at least) eight goals. Multitasking. pic.twitter.com/haVnpn7b7u
— OptaFranz (@OptaFranz) December 18, 2023
A Manchester City transfer rumour with less chance of happening is the arrival of Rafael Leao. The Portuguese forward has been linked with City in the past, but appears happy to stay with AC Milan for the foreseeable future.
The 24-year-old recently signed a new contract with the Serie A giants, keeping him at the San Siro until 2028. Speaking before he signed the renewal, Leao told Sky Sport Italia: “I want to stay here at Milan, yes.
“I feel at home at AC Milan. I’m so, so happy to be here.”
It was reported at one stage last season that Jack Grealish may have been offered to Milan as part of a swap deal, but such an idea has long-since been abandoned.
Who Will Replace Kalvin Phillips At City?
It’s no secret that England midfielder Kalvin Phillips appears to be leaving Manchester City in January. The former Leeds United man has barely played this season, and is in desperate need of minutes in order to make Gareth Southgate’s squad for Euros in June.
With City already low on bodies in that area, it can be assumed that a replacement will be lined up.
A player that seems to have been linked with just about everyone this January is Joao Palhinha. The Portuguese international looked set for Bayern Munich in the summer, but the move fell through as Fulham failed to secure a replacement.
It’s believed a fee of around £60 million would be enough to prise Palhinha away from Craven Cottage. With Pep Guardiola all but confirming Kalvin Phillips’ impending exit, it would be a smart signing.
City have lacked depth in midfield for some time, and struggle whenever Rodri isn’t playing. Another central midfielder to add competition and cover for the Spaniard could be a wise investment.
Man City join Liverpool and Bayern Munich in the race to land £60m Fulham star Joao Palhinha 👀https://t.co/qgI8OthCiS
— Mail Sport (@MailSport) December 17, 2023
But with competition for Palhinha’s signature, they may have to consider other options should they fail to secure a deal for the Fulham star.
Less likely than a Phillips replacement is the addition of another central defender.
It’s been claimed by some that Manchester City’s January transfer targets may include Marc Guehi. The 23-year-old England international has been a key man at Crystal Palace, and would be a good addition to any defence.
But with City spending £77 million on Josko Gvardiol in the summer, another big-money move for a defender seems unlikely.
Fabrizio Romano’s Latest Manchester City Updates
Italian transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has been fairly limited with Manchester City transfer news. The journalist did however confirm that Juventus were among the teams interested in the outgoing Kalvin Phillips.
🚨⚪️⚫️ Understand Juventus have now opened talks with Manchester City to discuss Kalvin Phillips deal.
Negotiations starting between clubs as Kalvin is said to be open to the move.
Juventus plan to offer loan with buy option clause. Man City want it to be mandatory. Talks on. pic.twitter.com/AukIT7NSnr
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 18, 2023
As for incomings, it’s been very quiet from Romano in recent days. With most Manchester City transfer rumours still just speculation, there have yet to be confirmed reports of any possible signings.
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