Manchester City’s 2025 January Transfer Wishlist: Key Targets to Revive the Season

Manchester City is enduring one of the toughest stretches in the Pep Guardiola era, sitting seventh in the Premier League by Christmas and grappling with injuries and form issues. For a team accustomed to dominance, the January transfer window represents a rare opportunity to recalibrate and address glaring weaknesses. Guardiola, typically hesitant about mid-season signings, has hinted that City could be active this time around.

Here’s a breakdown of Manchester City’s transfer priorities and potential targets for January 2025.

1. Defensive Midfield: A Rodri Backup or Partner

The Issue

Rodri’s absence has exposed City’s reliance on their Ballon d’Or-winning midfielder. Without him, City has spiraled, conceding 20 goals in 12 league games and slipping down the table. Ilkay Gündoğan’s departure and Mateo Kovačić’s injury woes have left City without a reliable replacement or backup for Rodri.

Potential Targets

1. Martin Zubimendi (Real Sociedad):
   • A composed and intelligent midfielder who excels in possession.
   • Zubimendi is highly sought after and has experience stepping into big roles, as seen during Spain’s Euro 2024 campaign.
2. Ederson (Atalanta):
   • An all-action midfielder with immense physical and tactical capabilities.
   • His energy and versatility make him a strong candidate to fill City’s midfield void.
3. Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle United):
   • Premier League-proven and capable of playing alongside or in place of Rodri.
   • Newcastle’s asking price could exceed £100m, but his quality is undeniable.

2. Full-Back: Reinforcing the Backline

The Issue

City’s defensive injuries have forced Guardiola into makeshift solutions, including playing Matheus Nunes as a left-back in the Manchester derby. With Ruben Dias also sidelined, City’s defensive frailty has been on full display, conceding multiple goals in seven consecutive games—a streak not seen since 1963. Guardiola’s long-standing search for a natural left-back remains unresolved.

Potential Targets

1. Miguel Gutiérrez (Girona):
   • An inverted left-back thriving in Girona’s system, which mirrors Guardiola’s tactical demands.
   • As part of the City Football Group, Gutiérrez’s transfer could be relatively straightforward.
2. Jules Koundé (Barcelona):
   • A versatile defender capable of playing as a full-back or center-back.
   • His combination of physicality and technical ability aligns with Guardiola’s preferences.
3. David Hancko (Feyenoord):
   • Another versatile option who has excelled as both a center-back and full-back.
   • Hancko’s strength and composure make him an intriguing candidate for City’s backline.

3. Versatile Forward: Adding Firepower

The Issue

City’s attack has faltered this season, with key players like Kevin De Bruyne and Phil Foden struggling to make an impact. Julian Alvarez’s summer departure left a significant gap, and the team has been overly reliant on Erling Haaland, who has endured his own dip in form. A versatile forward who can create and score is urgently needed.

Potential Targets

1. Florian Wirtz (Bayer Leverkusen):
   • A generational talent with creativity and goal-scoring ability.
   • Leverkusen is unlikely to part with Wirtz in January, and any deal would require a nine-figure fee.
2. Omar Marmoush (Eintracht Frankfurt):
   • A prolific and creative forward with 13 goals and seven assists in the Bundesliga this season.
   • Marmoush’s versatility and productivity make him a more attainable option than Wirtz.
3. Nico Paz (Como):
   • The Real Madrid academy graduate has shone under Cesc Fàbregas at newly promoted Como.
   • Paz’s adventurous style could inject creativity and unpredictability into City’s attack.

Strategic Considerations for January

Budget Constraints

City’s financial resources are vast, but the club must balance spending with compliance to Financial Fair Play regulations. Targeting players with release clauses or those from City Football Group-affiliated clubs could provide cost-effective solutions.

Urgency

With City sitting seventh in the Premier League and their Champions League hopes hanging by a thread, the January window is critical. Immediate reinforcements are necessary to salvage the season and maintain their competitive edge.

Conclusion

Manchester City’s 2025 January transfer window is a pivotal moment in their campaign. Addressing the midfield void left by Rodri’s absence, shoring up the defense, and adding creativity to the attack are essential steps. With smart investments, City can stabilize their form and reignite their push for trophies in the second half of the season.

FAQs

1. Why is defensive midfield a priority for Manchester City?
Rodri’s absence has exposed City’s over-reliance on him, leading to a significant drop in form and defensive stability.

2. Who are City’s top targets for the full-back position?
Miguel Gutiérrez, Jules Koundé, and David Hancko are among the names linked to reinforce City’s backline.

3. Why does City need a versatile forward?
The departure of Julian Alvarez and the struggles of key attackers like Phil Foden have left City needing a creative and goal-scoring forward to support Erling Haaland.

4. Can City afford to spend big in January?
While City has the resources, they must navigate Financial Fair Play regulations and prioritize cost-effective signings.