HITC Sport takes a look at the good, the bad and the ugly transfer rumours and speculation surrounding Manchester City this January.
With the January transfer window now open, Manchester City are beginning to be linked with a number of moves.
As the club fights to stay in the Premier League title hunt, many City fans are hoping that Pep Guardiola will look to strengthen his side, as the Blues seek to cut out their inconsistent performances and jump back into being one of the firm favourites for the title. We’ve decided to take a look at some of the realistic, speculative and ridiculous names being linked with a move to Etihad Stadium this month.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola
The Realistic
One of the major areas Manchester City have struggled with this season has been the centre of midfield. With Fernandinho struggling with disciplinary issues, Yaya Toure struggling for match fitness and Fernando suffering from a lack of pace, Manchester City have found themselves out-run in the centre of the park on a number of occasions this season, and may well be on the lookout for a new addition. A report in The Guardian recently suggested that the Blues were locked in a tug-of-war with Chelsea for the signature of Sevilla midfielder, Steven N’Zonzi, who would certainly strengthen up City in this area. Another report in the Manchester Evening News suggested Pep might dip back into German football for Borussia Dortmund midfielder, Julian Weigl, who would cost plenty.
Steven N’Zonzi (R) of Sevilla
The Speculative
With their defence also being noticeably leaky this season, Pep Guardiola is also reportedly on the look out for two new full-backs. The Manchester Evening News recently linked City with a move for highly-rated Tottenham Hotspur left-back, Danny Rose, as well as a potential move for Croatian veteran Darijo Srna. Despite clearly needing to improve his defence, Spurs are unlikely to want to do business with City whilst the two challenge each other for the Premier League title, and Srna, now 34, may not have the legs to compete in the Premier League. Whilst we expect Manchester City to recruit defenders in this window, both these potential links seem purely speculative at this stage.
Spain’s Daniel Carvajal in action with England’s Danny Rose
The Ridiculous
If there’s one area of the pitch where Manchester City arguably do not need to improve, it’s the forwards. As well as the world-class Sergio Aguero, Manchester City have the talented Ihenacho in their ranks, as well as the incoming Gabriel Jesus and the on-loan Wilfried Bony. However, a recent report in The Mirror has linked City with a move for talented Celtic youngster, Moussa Dembele. Considering the striker only made the move to Glasgow in the summer, Celtic are unlikely to want to do any business, and with Manchester City already fairly spoilt for striking options, this move is likely to be a no go.
Celtic’s Moussa Dembele
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
