In a fleeting yet triumphant moment on December 27, Manchester City ascended to the summit of the Premier League standings following their victory over Nottingham Forest. However, the euphoria was short-lived as Pep Guardiola’s squad has since struggled to secure another League win, hampered by a spate of injuries and a dip in form among key players.
Adding to their woes, Manchester City endured a humbling defeat to Bodo/Glimt in the Champions League, a setback that underscores the challenges currently facing the team.
What Steps Have Manchester City Taken This January?
In response to their recent struggles, Manchester City has acted swiftly and decisively to reinforce their squad. Acknowledging the need for improved performance and fitness, the club targeted specific areas for enhancement.
To address the shortfall in goals from wide positions, City secured the services of Semenyo for an initial fee of £62.5 million. This strategic acquisition promises immediate impact, as Semenyo has already demonstrated his prowess by netting 10 Premier League goals for Bournemouth and scoring twice in his first couple of cup appearances for Manchester City.
Guardiola had to find more goals from wide areas and Semenyo for an initial £62.5million is business that will fix that immediately. Semenyo scored 10 Premier League goals for Bournemouth and scored two in his opening couple of cup games at City.
The move for Guehi is a statement January signing, too. The £20million flat fee – there are no additional clauses in the deal – comes with a basic wage significantly lower than £300,000 a week.
Antoine Semenyo has made a fine start to life at the Etihad – as City seek more goals from wide areas
Injuries to Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol made City move for Marc Guehi (pictured) this month rather than wait until the summer
Guehi will earn the normal bonuses, including the projected Champions League qualification money were that to be secured, on top.
City had wanted to be in the conversation for the Crystal Palace captain when his contract expired in the summer – and felt they had a strong chance of winning that race – but the injury to Josko Gvardiol brought the plans forward.
Eventually, the need for a left-sided centre half became too great not to attempt to land Guehi this month.
Where do they still need to strengthen?
For now, it’s focusing on the outgoings. Oscar Bobb heads the list, with Borussia Dortmund and – as Daily Mail Sport revealed in December – Fulham having both been in talks with the winger throughout the past month.
Fulham are now firmly leading the race for the Norway international valued at around £30m. Marco Silva is desperate to land his man, as the manager believes he can offer Fulham extra guile.
It’s understood that at least one other unnamed team on the continent have registered interest in the past week but Bobb will have a new club by the end of the transfer window.
There have been a number options for potential suitors: a straight permanent switch or a loan with an obligation to buy for those who require extra financial headroom. Dortmund have been struggling to find the money to commit.
Oscar Bobb has held talks with both Borussia Dortmund and Fulham over the past month
Which players are they targeting?
You would have thought that it would only take something truly remarkable for City to go back into the market now.
New director of football Hugo Viana hasn’t been shy in getting deals done and will be looking at further improvements for the summer. In central midfield, Elliot Anderson is being monitored by the whole of Europe.
What progress has been made on signings for the summer?
Whether City firm up interest in Anderson may yet depend on circumstances around the likes of Rodri, who has 18 months left on his contract and is still feeling his way back into match fitness after such a turbulent time with injuries.
Right back is an interesting position right now. City missed Matheus Nunes during the derby defeat at Manchester United on Saturday, plus the abject display at Bodo/Glimt, but that area is one they are scouring.
Feyenoord’s 19-year-old Netherlands Under-21 international Givairo Read is somebody they are looking at but other names are in the frame.
Elliot Anderson is on City’s radar but whether they firm up their interest in the summer may yet depend on circumstances around the likes of Rodri, who has 18 months left on his contract
Feyenoord’s 19-year-old Netherlands Under-21 international Givairo Read (left) is somebody City are looking at but other names are in the frame
Who could still leave this month?
Aside from Bobb, work is being done to secure Kalvin Phillips another loan switch. That deal is likely to go down to the final week of the window if something can be sorted. Phillips has played just seven minutes of football this season, away at Huddersfield Town in the Carabao Cup, and only 38 minutes since March. A summer move away was scuppered by an achilles operation.
Genoa registered interest in Stefan Ortega, who is free to leave and hasn’t been named in a matchday squad all season. Bayer Leverkusen are on the hunt for a stopper.
Another goalkeeper, James Trafford, wants more minutes elsewhere but Guardiola has said privately that he needs him for the cup competitions. Trafford’s future is expected to be resolved in the summer.
Juma Bah is looking for a permanent move away but sources at Brentford have confirmed that they are not actively pursuing the central defender.
