Manchester City transfer news is always a big deal, especially when the January window rolls around.
Despite winning a historic treble of Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League last season, Pep Guardiola’s side are not without their weaknesses.
As such, they will be looking to improve their squad and recruit well over the coming weeks in order to mount yet another title challenge.
The champions are currently third in the table, five points behind leaders Liverpool, though they do have a game in hand. They thrashed Championship side Huddersfield 5-0 in the FA Cup third round, and have topped their Champions League group with six wins from six.
But while still on track to repeat their heroic triumphs from last season, they may well need some reinforcements to help them over the line.
With that in mind, we at Sportslens have taken a look at where City need to improve this January.
Man City January Transfer Window Targets
With the club under investigation for alleged breaches of financial fair play regulations, spending this window may be limited. As it stands, the club are charged with 115 possible offences and could face significant punishments.
If found guilty, they may be docked points, as happened to Everton already this season. Incoming signings may therefore be fewer and less extravagant than we are used to with City.
Nevertheless, there are still some Manchester City transfer rumours that won’t stop, and some weaknesses that still need fixing.
A key area of the pitch, City’s midfield cannot function at present when Rodri isn’t playing.
Their record without the Spaniard compared to with him is woeful, and so another option is vital. While nobody is going to take his shirt, the lack of deoth has left City seriously exposed whenever Rodri isn’t playing.
Douglas Luiz – Aston Villa
One possible solution is Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz, who has been linked with re-joining City. The 25-year-old Brazilian has been in great form for Unai Emery’s Villa, scoring seven times and providing six assists this season.
Courted by half the Premier League, Luiz would be a superb option to add depth alongside Rodri. City sold Luiz to Villa back in 2019 for £15 million, but are reportedly keen to bring him back to the Etihad.
There was at one stage a buy-back clause in Luiz’s contract with Villa, but this expired in 2021. It remains to be seen if he would want to rejoin a club he struggled for game time at, but he would certainly be a good addition for City.
Pedro Neto – Wolves
Another Manchester City transfer rumour involves Pedro Neto. The Wolves winger has bene courted by multiple clubs, including Arsenal.
But reports suggest the Gunners will have to beat City for Neto’s signature. The Portuguese international joined Wolves in 2019 from Serie A side Lazio, and has made 123 appearances.
With 12 goals and 22 assists in four and a half seasons, he may not be many fans’ first choice. But Guardiola is an expert at taking players to the next level, so he could be a good project for City.
Wolves will no doubt put up a fight, but we may yet see Neto at City before the end of the window.
Man City Transfer News Fabrizio Romano
As for potential Manchester City transfer news, one of the biggest stories is actually an outgoing player. England midfielder Kalvin Phillips has been told he is allowed to leave the club after struggling for minutes.
Phillips has been linked with several clubs, but appears most likely to join Newcastle. Discussing the potential signing, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano highlighted the need for Newcastle to replace Sandro Tonali, who is serving a ten-month bad for gambling offences.
Romano said: “Newcastle have been considering a move for Phillips since December. He’s one of the names they have on their list.
“Newcastle need to replace Tonali, while Phillips wants to play more as it’s important also to get enough game time to go to Euro 2024. Juventus were keen on Phillips but now the deal is almost off.”
He added: “In my opinion, it would be a very good call from Newcastle; Phillips can have an instant impact, knows Premier League football well and he’s really hungry. A crucial point.”
In terms of incoming deals, Romano has confirmed the arrival of two youngsters with bags of potential. Eighteen-year-old midfielder Claudio Echeverri has reportedly signed from River Plate in his native Argentina.
🔵🇦🇷 Manchester City and River Plate have signed all the documents for Claudio Echeverri deal, both clubs are almost ready to make an announcement.
€14.5m net fixed fee to River as revealed last week, €9m add-ons performance-related and not based on titles. It's sealed. pic.twitter.com/xW1SfrzNcZ
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 8, 2024
The Argentina youth international has scored 13 times in 22 under-17 appearances, and captained his age group. One to watch for the future, City have nailed down another exciting young talent.
He joins full international Julian Alvarez at the club, who will no doubt help his younger countryman settle in.
Echeverri was not the only Argentine wonderkid they were pursuing this window, though. Reports have claimed City were in for Boca Juniors’ 19-year-old winger, Valentin Barco.
However, the latest information suggests he is now set to join Premier League rivals Brighton. The Seagulls have reportedly triggered Barco’s $10 million release clause.
City Continue Stockpiling Wonderkids
The other done deal for Pep Guardiola’s side is the arrival of 15-year-old former Leeds United youth player, Finlay Gorman.
Born in 2008, Gorman will join City’s youth squads. He is anticipated to develop into one of the top young English talents.
🚨🔵 English talent Finlay Gorman signs in as new Manchester City player from Leeds United, deal completed.
2008 born top talent turned down many bids to accept Manchester City project, agreement now official.
Here we go, confirmed. pic.twitter.com/IslO7DaH3D
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 7, 2024
Add Sportslens to your Google News Feed!
