As the January transfer window looms on the horizon Manchester City does appear in need of one or maybe two signings to reinforce Pep Guardiola’s squad. It has been a busy season already for City. They may need some fresh legs as they seek to defend their treble of titles won last season.
With Kalvin Phillips appearing certain to leave the treble winners next month a midfielder may be on the agenda. City has also been linked with a move for Boca Juniors left-back Valentin Barco. It may be a busy transfer window for the Premier League champions. Here are some of the players linked with the European champions ahead of next month’s transfer window.
Joao Palhinha
The champions have been linked with a move for Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha. Phil Thomas of the Sun reports that City may join Liverpool and Bayer Munich in the race for the Portuguese international.
Palhinha almost joined Bayern Munich on deadline day of the last transfer window. He underwent a medical with the Bundesliga champions before Fulham pulled the plug on the deal.
Andre
Phil Thomas also reports for the Sun that City have been watching Fluminense midfielder Andre. They will get an up close and personal look at the Brazilian international in Friday’s FIFA Club World Cup final when they face off against Fluminense.
It is also reported by Thomas that they could face competition from Fulham and Liverpool if the European champions do make a move for the midfielder. With Thomas reporting that Fluminense would demand a fee of £30 million for Andre he could be the ideal January signing for City. With his international pedigree and immense talent, he does fit the City profile of a quality signing for a relatively cheap transfer fee.
Joshua Kimmich
Graeme Bailey has reported for TeamTalk that the treble winners could target the German international. Kay also reports that Kimmich has fallen out with Bayern manager Thomas Tuchel and could look to depart the club.
Given his versatility and experience, Kimmich could be the ideal player for Pep Guardiola’s squad. City’s interest in Kimmich could become a story to watch for next month.
Valentin Barco
Steve Kay has also reported for footballtransfers.com that Boca Juniors full-back Valentin Barco is adamant on joining Manchester City.
The young Argentinean left-back is one of the premier young talents to come out of the World Champions production line. With Kay reporting that Barco has a £10 million release clause in his contract he like Andre could be an easy deal to complete next month. He would likely be a signing for the future given his age but with City lacking a left-back he may jump into Pep Guardiola’s squad if he arrives in January.
Miguel Gutiérrez
Girona has surprised everyone by sitting on top of La Liga as the season reaches the Christmas period. A key part of their success has been full-back Miguel Gutiérrez. City’s sister club play an attractive brand of football Gutiérrez is a vital part of their gameplan.
Antonia Maiwald reports for SportBild that Manchester City have their eyes on the Girona star. Given the relationship between the European champions and Girona, it could make a deal possible next month. Maiwald adds that Real Madrid and Arsenal have also been monitoring the Spanish full-back.
