Depending on how the coming months unfold for Manchester City there is the potential that it could be a busy January transfer window for the world champions. If it is set to be a busy month for City, a new report indicates that they have a sizable transfer budget set aside for the next transfer window.
Pete O’Rourke has reported for Football Insider that Manchester City have set aside £80 million for the upcoming transfer window. Furthermore, O’Rourke adds that the sale of Julian Alvarez to Atletico Madrid last summer is likely to fund City’s potential spending in January. Lastly, O’Rourke adds that City are currently looking at potential targets to sign in January.
What could be the areas that Manchester City could target in January?
A look at the Manchester City squad shows there are few areas of weakness in Pep Guardiola’s squad. Although there could be several areas where City may look to strengthen in January.
First of all, a midfielder to replace the injured Rodri will likely be the main area for City to target. As it stands currently Manchester City are looking to overcome that challenge with what they have. Mateo Kovacic, Ilkay Gundogan and Rico Lewis have so far stepped into midfield. But to maintain their challenge of claiming silverware on multiple fronts this season another midfielder does appear to be a must for the world champions. In my opinion, the chances are high that City will move for another midfielder in January.
Another area that City may look to add another option is upfront. As it stands currently Erling Haaland is Manchester City’s only recognised striker. When Haaland is unavailable, it does appear that Phil Foden or Ilkay Gundogan, or perhaps someone else, will play as a false 9. But is that sustainable if Haaland is out injured for any length of time? That could be a question City ask in January. It wouldn’t be a big surprise to see another striker arrive at the Etihad in January.
The only other area I could see Manchester City potentially looking to strengthen in January is right-back. It may not be a high priority but that situation could change in the coming months. Rico Lewis appears set to move into midfield over the coming months. Although he will play at right-back on occasions he does look set to feature predominantly as a midfielder, especially in Rodri’s absence. The other concern could be the form of Kyle Walker. The City captain is still one of the premier right-backs in the game, but recently, there have been signs that age may be catching up to Walker. If those signs continue to shine through it may force City to look for cover at right-back in a few months.
Summary
The potential is there for January to be a busy month for Manchester City. City do appear to have the finances available to spend if necessary. There are areas of Pep Guardiola’s squad that could do with reinforcements. But form and injuries could dictate City’s approach in the January window.
