As Manchester City navigate their way through a 5 game losing run in all competitions the issues surrounding Pep Guardiola’s squad are clear to see. City’s midfield is currently lacking options. The loss of Rodri for the season, and Mateo Kovacic for up to a month has decimated City’s midfield. At the fact that age and heavy workload looks to have caught up to several of Manchester City’s midfielders City’s need for another midfielder or two is clear. A new report indicates that the champions will move a midfielder in January. Another report suggests the champions have two players in mind to target in the January transfer window.
Speaking with NBC Sports Soccer David Ornstein of the Athletic shared what he has heard regarding City’s plans for the January transfer window. Ornstein said when asked about City’s potential plans in January: “Let’s see if Manchester City go into the market in January now for that position [defensive midfield]. I’m hearing a lot in the industry that suggests they may well.”
David Ornstein’s report leads into a report from Jack Gaughan for the Daily Mail. Gaughan reports that Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi and Atalanta’s midfield general Ederson are looming as City’s potential targets in January. Furthermore, Gaughan adds that Manchester City’s ideal midfield target is a player who can play in a holding role and also drifts forward. Of that profile, Ederson fits the bill. While Zubimendi is viewed as a younger version of Rodri as per Gaughan’s report.
It is becoming obvious that Manchester City will look to add a midfielder in January and they look to have identified two top targets.
All the clues are now stacking up that Manchester City will move for a midfielder in January. David Ornstein and Jack Gaughan’s reports give the impression that it’s a matter of if not when City will move for a midfielder. It looks to be the best acquisition City can make in January and one that will immediately help on the pitch.
As per Jack Gaughan’s report, Martin Zubimendi and Ederson appear to be Manchester City’s main targets. If that report is proven correct then the world champions are aiming to buy a quality and proven midfielder in January. Zubimendi and Ederson both fit that profile. If the champions could land either player it would immediately improve Pep Guardiola’s squad. Which player the champions could potentially land remains to be seen. But it is also now becoming apparent who they will now target in January.
Manchester City look set to move for a midfielder at the very least in January. The clues are now beginning to point in that direction. Martin Zubimendi and Ederson appear to be City’s sights. If they could land either in January it would be a massive boost to the world champions squad.