Manchester City could send in as many as six “regular starters” in the upcoming transfer windows in response to the team’s dismal form. The Premier League champions have lost eight of their last 11 games and dropped to fifth place in the table – something that was unthinkable before this season.
The pressure is mounting on manager Pep Guardiola, and while he is not under immediate pressure to be sacked, his position could be untenable if results continue in the same spirit. According to journalist Guillem Balague, behind the scenes, they feel that the “essence” of the Manchester City team has been lost, and they are planning a major rebuild in response.
“They generally reach their goals and something that gets the renewed goal for this season is the top four. That’s what City want to do. That is the goal they have all set on their heads. I think they will achieve that. They are not that far away at the moment. You’re talking about an achievable goal,” Balague said, as reported by the Daily Record.
“They want to restore the essence of the team, the appearance of the team. But quite clearly, Pep Guardiola will use the last two years of his contract – which are likely to be the last two of his career as club boss – to prepare for a new Manchester City. I have a very clear idea that they will get rid of five or six regular starters for Manchester City and bring in five or six new starters. Half of the team. It’s a new era. The end of this and a new era begins.
“The cycle is over, but remember that just a month and a half ago they hadn’t lost a game and were at the top of the table. But in my eyes, that’s what’s happening. That’s what they’re going to do next.”
TEAMtalk reports that Manchester City are willing to sell some big stars in order to usher in a new era of young, high-potential players. Ruben Dias is one of those that can be sold for the right price. Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi is seen as a potential replacement for Dias, while Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite has also been linked with a move to the Etihad recently.
Kevin de Bruyne is out of contract next summer and is unlikely to have it extended. Ilkay Gundogan’s current deal also expires at the end of the season. Kyle Walker is put up for sale and is said to have several clubs watching closely.
Goalkeeper Ederson also has concrete interest from the Saudi Pro League, while Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona are long-term admirers of Bernardo Silva.
Most of these departures are likely to happen next summer, rather than in January. For now, Guardiola is focused on working with the players already at his disposal, although the manager wants to bring in a new midfielder this winter.
We understand that Atalanta star Ederson is at the top of their shortlist. The Brazilian international is excited about the prospect of signing for one of the strongest teams in the world and working under Guardiola.
However, Atalanta do not want to lose Ederson and have slapped a price tag of €60 million.
Also on Manchester City’s radar are Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, AC Milan’s Tijiani Reijnders and Newcastle’s Bruno Guimaraes – although it will be almost impossible to sign Guimaraes in January, so a move next summer is more likely.
Bayern Munich star Joshua Kimmich has also been heavily linked with Man City, along with Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi.
Man City are reportedly keeping tabs on Brighton striker Evan Ferguson, who has been made available by the Seagulls for a loan or permanent sale in January.
It is claimed that Man City will aim to bring in a midfielder if they manage to score a midfielder in the early January window.
They are believed to prioritize the loan market to land a proven mid-point winter, before recovering the situation in the summer.
