Esteemed Kompany host Steven Mcinerney looks at the news of the last week at Manchester City. It has been a busy week of news at the club. The City academy starlets put in a fantastic display in City’s 3-2 win over Red Star Belgrade in the UEFA Champions League. The European champions also learned their opponent for next week’s FIFA Club World Cup. There have also been some transfer stories in the news as the January transfer window looms around the corner.
Transfer round-up
The Esteemed Kompany host looks at the possibility of Joshua Kimmich joining the treble winners. The German international has been linked with a move from Bayern Munich and could City be a destination for the versatile midfielder? Kimmich’s ability to play multiple positions could be an added weapon for the European champions. He has also previously played under Pep Guardiola meaning there wouldn’t be a massive period of adjustment for the star midfielder. With his experience and ability, he could be the ideal replacement if Kalvin Phillips departs the club in January as expected.
Arthur Vermeeren of Royal Antwerp is also a player who may be available in January. The young Belgian wonderkid has shone for his side so far this season. With Fabrizio Romano reporting that he will depart Royal Antwerp in 2024 could the treble winners make a move for the prodigiously talented midfielder?
The midweek win over Red Star Belgrade
The midweek 3-2 win over Red Star Belgrade showcased the young talent coming through the Manchester City academy. Micah Hamilton made his first team debut in the win and scored his first goal for the club. It was a special moment for Hamilton and he looks like he could feature for the champions as the season progresses. Oscar Bobb put in a man-of-the-match display and also scored his first goal for the senior side. The pair highlighted just how important the academy is to Manchester City in the midweek win. There was also a debut for Mahamadou Susoho as Pep Guardiola blooded the academy stars in the midweek win.
On top of the players breaking into the first team, the City EDS system has also become a vital source of revenue for the champions. With players like James Trafford and Cole Palmer being sold and now starring at their clubs, it is the perfect learning environment for young players to begin their careers. It is often overlooked as a key part of Manchester City’s setup but that makes it no less important.
FIFA Club World Cup
Manchester City also head to Saudi Arabia following this weekend’s Premier League match against Crystal Palace. They will face Urawa Red Diamonds in the semi-final of the FIFA Club World Cup in what will be a special moment for the club. City will be looking to round out a spectacular 2023 for the club by adding another trophy to the cabinet in a historical year for the club.
Summary
Steven Mcinerney looks at all this and more in the video below as the Premier League champions face off with Crystal Palace before heading to Saudi Arabia. The news never stops especially as the season enters the busy Christmas period.
