Manchester City is reportedly looking to continue their January transfer activity by targeting a new midfielder before the window closes. After a shocking dip in form, the reigning Premier League champions have already spent heavily to address their squad’s issues and are exploring further reinforcements to revive their season.
City’s Current Struggles
City’s slump saw them drop to seventh in the Premier League standings before recovering to fifth. However, they remain 12 points behind league leaders Liverpool, having played one game more. Their struggles extend to Europe, where they are outside the Champions League knockout qualification spots heading into the final round of group fixtures.
January Signings So Far
To combat their form, City has already spent £135m this month on three high-profile signings:
- Abdukodir Khusanov: The center-back joined from Lens for a deal worth up to £42m.
- Vitor Reis: Another defensive reinforcement, Reis was signed from Palmeiras for £29.6m.
- Omar Marmoush: The Egyptian forward arrived from Eintracht Frankfurt in a £59m deal, bringing goals and assists to bolster City’s attack.
Midfield Reinforcements on the Radar
City is now turning their attention to strengthening their midfield, with several options being considered:
- Douglas Luiz (Juventus):
- City has inquired about re-signing the Brazilian international, but Juventus prefers a permanent transfer, complicating negotiations.
- Luiz is also attracting interest from Chelsea.
- Ederson (Atalanta):
- Another Brazilian midfielder on City’s radar, though no formal approach has been made yet.
- Internal Options:
- Pep Guardiola is expected to trial center-backs John Stones and Manuel Akanji in midfield roles to assess whether further signings are necessary.
Other Targets
City is also monitoring Juventus full-back Andrea Cambiaso, but a move for the 24-year-old is expected to wait until the summer.
Conclusion
Manchester City’s aggressive approach in the January transfer market underscores their determination to address their struggles and compete on multiple fronts. While Omar Marmoush, Abdukodir Khusanov, and Vitor Reis have already bolstered the squad, the search for a dynamic midfielder highlights City’s commitment to revitalizing their aging core.
With time running out in the transfer window, City’s activity in the coming days will be crucial in shaping the remainder of their season.
