Manchester City’s January transfer window plans are heating up as the club looks to address a challenging season. With injuries, defensive issues, and a lack of attacking firepower causing problems, City is set to explore the market to strengthen their squad.
Backed by a healthy budget and record profits, Pep Guardiola and his team are gearing up for a crucial window to get
Gaps in midfield, defense, and attack have left City’s bid for a record-extending fifth consecutive title in tatters.
Guardiola and director of football Txiki Begiristain must make smart moves to turn their season around.
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What do Manchester City need in January?
City’s midfield is the top priority. With Rodri sidelined for the rest of the season and injuries affecting Mateo Kovacic, the team is struggling to control games. Ilkay Gundogan, who returned after a stint at Barcelona, hasn’t been able to fill the void, and the absence of Julian Alvarez’s goals is deeply felt.
Defensive reinforcements are also essential. City’s backline has been hit hard by injuries, forcing makeshift solutions like Matheus Nunes playing at left-back. This has exposed the team, leading to a series of poor results and defensive errors.
Finally, City needs a versatile forward. With Alvarez gone and Kevin De Bruyne and Phil Foden underperforming, Guardiola’s attack lacks creativity and consistency. The upshot has been Erling Haaland’s most barren run in front of goal since joining the champions
Manchester City transfer targets for January 2025
Below is an updated list of potential Manchester City signings. We’ve split them into dream and realistic options to give a clearer picture of who could join the squad in January.
Dream signings
Bruno Guimaraes remains Guardiola’s top midfield target. The Newcastle star, known for his passing and physicality, could be available if City meets Newcastle’s £100 million valuation. However, club sources suggest the Manchester club are unwilling to pay such a premium price for a player who is already 27 years old and and could have a limited amount of his prime remaining.
Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi is another midfield option. Known for his composure on the ball, he could help City regain control in tight matches. Much like Guimaraes, signing Zubimendi would be very popular with City fans but it is thought the club are less keen given his similarities to the Ballon d’Or winner.
For the left-back position, Miguel Gutierrez from Girona is a strong contender. His familiarity with City Football Group’s playing style makes him an ideal candidate.
Realistic options
City might turn to Atalanta’s Ederson, a tireless midfielder who could provide energy and defensive cover. The Brazilian also has versatility within the midfield roles that Zubimendi, for example, lacks.
For attacking options, Eintracht Frankfurt’s Omar Marmoush is a promising choice. His pace and goal-scoring ability make him a realistic mid-season addition. Elsewhere, Lille forward Jonathan David‘s contract situation might be of interest.
Versatility is key, and Real Madrid academy product Nico Paz could bring creativity and flair to City’s forward line. On the other side of the Clasico divide, Barcelona’s financial woes putting the futures of Dani Olmo and Pau Victor into peril might have been noted at the Etihad Stadium.
Teenage defender Juma Bah has been linked to City after impressing for Real Valladolid but arguably would not be a player for the here and now, which is exactly what an ailing City needs.
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Who could leave Manchester City in January?
Guardiola values a small squad, and with injuries already stretching resources thin, significant departures are unlikely this January.
However, some younger players might leave on loan to gain experience. Claudio Echeverri, a highly rated prospect from River Plate, is expected to arrive at City this month and be around the squad but may go out on loan during the summer.
At the end of the season, there could be more significant changes. Key players like Kyle Walker, Ederson, and Kevin De Bruyne may leave as part of a squad overhaul.
Manchester City contracts latest
Kevin De Bruyne’s contract is a pressing concern. The 33-year-old’s deal expires at the end of the season, and there is interest from MLS and Saudi Arabian clubs. The Belgium superstar’s struggles for dependable form and fitness this term make an exit feel increasingly likely.
Ilkay Gundogan signed a one-year contract with the option of a second year when he rejoined from Barcelona. It is hard to make a case for his performances so far justifying that extension being activated.
The club’s financial health means they are not under pressure to sell, but tough decisions will be needed to shape the squad for the coming years.
