As the season hits the Christmas period and Manchester City off to Saudi Arabia for the FIFA Club World Cup after this weekend’s match against Crystal Palace another important part of the season looms. The January transfer window is due to open in less than three weeks will the champions look to strengthen their squad? The European champions traditionally aren’t very active in January but they may be forced into the market this time around.
The state of the Manchester City squad
Injuries and suspension have played a key role in City’s season so far. Currently, Erling Haaland and Jeremy Doku are both out at the moment due to injury. As the season has progressed Kevin De Bruyne, Mateo Kovacic, Matheus Nunes, Nathan Ake and John Stones have all spent time on the sidelines with injuries. Injuries and suspension have cost City during the first part of the season.
Rodri missing four games through suspension cost the champions as they have lost all four games their midfield general has missed. With Kalvin Phillips on the outer and seemingly destined to depart the club next month, it would appear that another midfielder is required.
Pep Guardiola’s side can’t continue to have an overreliance on Rodri. Against Aston Villa, the makeshift Manchester City midfield was dominated by Unai Emery’s side. With that in mind, it would appear that the squad is a midfielder short.
Italian media outlet TV Play has reported that the treble winners may move for French international Khephren Thuram. The Nice midfielder would bring something different to the Etihad. His pace, power and strength could bring something new to Pep Guardiola’s squad. Thuram may not end up at the Etihad but a player with those types of attributes would be a welcome addition to the European champion’s squad.
Tajon Buchanan of Club Brugge is another player who has been heavily linked with Manchester City. Harry Pratt reports for the Daily Star that City is considering a £50 million move in January for the Canadian international. Buchanan is a versatile player who can either play in midfield or as a wing-back. He would fit the bill as a player who could play a variety of roles for Pep Guardiola.
Conclusion
It does appear that Manchester City look set to strengthen their squad this January. Based on what has transpired so far this season the City squad seems to need one or possibly two more players added to help with squad depth.
While Manchester City aren’t traditionally active in January the way the season has played out so far may force their hand in next month’s transfer window.
It’s very obvious a Rodri substitute is critically needed as Phillips rightfully needs to move on. Five games without Rodri, five defeats.