Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher recently shared insights on why Manchester City might face challenges attracting new players in the January transfer window.
Despite being the favorites to claim a historic fifth consecutive Premier League title, City has hit a rough patch and could be eyeing fresh talent to boost their squad.
City began the season on a high note, with Erling Haaland dismantling defenses and Rodri commanding the midfield like clockwork. But things took a sharp turn when Rodri, fresh off winning the Ballon d’Or, suffered a season-ending knee ligament injury during their 2-2 match with Arsenal. His absence has left a noticeable gap, and City’s recent form reflects this.
Currently, Pep Guardiola’s side is reeling from three consecutive losses across competitions: against Bournemouth in the Premier League, Tottenham in the Carabao Cup, and Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League. As a result, they’re likely to consider some reinforcements come January. However, Carragher has raised a potential hurdle that might deter some players from signing with City.
The club is currently under scrutiny with 115 alleged breaches of financial regulations, and Carragher suggests this legal issue could make players wary. In his Telegraph column, he points out that any player considering joining City might want to see how this situation unfolds before committing. Players and their agents are likely cautious, especially with possible sporting sanctions looming.
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Carragher notes that the uncertainty over City’s case creates a shadow over the club’s appeal. Even with City’s achievements, this unresolved situation may delay any transfer decisions until the independent commission reaches a conclusion – a process that could take some time if appeals are involved.
Rodri’s absence has led City to explore options for a new defensive midfielder, with various names floating around as potential targets. One such player is Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad. The Spanish midfielder has previously been linked to Premier League clubs like Arsenal and Liverpool, and his defensive prowess could be a good fit for City’s current needs.
Interestingly, Zubimendi almost signed with Liverpool last summer but decided to stay at his boyhood club, Real Sociedad. However, the appeal of joining the reigning champions could be harder to resist, especially with City looking to reclaim their dominance.
City’s recent Champions League clash against Sporting Lisbon only added to their woes, as they suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat. Viktor Gyokeres, who netted a hat-trick, and Maximiliano Araujo each scored for Sporting, leaving City with a night to forget.
With this string of losses and Rodri out for the season, City’s January transfer strategy could be crucial. However, until their legal situation is resolved, Carragher suggests that their recruitment efforts may not be as straightforward as usual.
