Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is reportedly preparing for a blockbuster January transfer window in an urgent bid to arrest his side’s alarming decline.
With the reigning champions experiencing a shocking dip in form, Guardiola is believed to have identified three major targets to reignite their season.
The Cityzens’ plight has been stark. Once untouchable, they now find themselves on a seven-game winless run, capped by an extraordinary Champions League collapse against Feyenoord. After racing to a 3-0 lead, City allowed the Dutch side to claw back three goals in the final 16 minutes, a record-breaking capitulation in Europe’s elite competition.
Adding to their woes, a daunting Premier League clash against a rampant Liverpool looms on the horizon. A loss at Anfield could see them fall 11 points behind the league leaders, a margin many believe could extinguish their title aspirations before the season’s midpoint.
In response, Guardiola is reportedly pushing the club’s hierarchy for an unprecedented £220m investment. Spanish outlet Fichajes claims the City boss has made an urgent plea for the signings of Martin Zubimendi, Maximiliano Araujo, and Florian Wirtz. Each player represents a key component in Guardiola’s vision for a revamped side capable of competing on multiple fronts.
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Zubimendi: The Rodri Replacement
The absence of Rodri, sidelined with a season-ending ACL injury, has left a gaping hole in City’s midfield. Guardiola sees Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi as the ideal successor. The Spaniard, who has a €60m release clause, is highly regarded for his ability to dictate tempo and provide defensive solidity.
Zubimendi was heavily linked with Liverpool over the summer but opted to remain at Sociedad, citing loyalty to his boyhood club. However, recent reports suggest he may now be open to a move, with City ready to outbid the Merseysiders for his signature. Guardiola is said to view Zubimendi as a pivotal signing to stabilize City’s faltering midfield and prevent further setbacks.
Wirtz and Araujo: Injecting Attacking Flair
Alongside Zubimendi, Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz and Sporting CP’s Maximiliano Araujo are reportedly high on Guardiola’s wishlist. Wirtz, a creative force in midfield, would command a staggering €120m fee. His versatility and technical prowess make him a perfect fit for Guardiola’s intricate style of play.
Meanwhile, Araujo, valued at €80m, is seen as a dynamic addition capable of bolstering City’s options on the wings. His explosive pace and ability to create chances could provide a new dimension to City’s attack, which has struggled for consistency this season.
City Board Ready to Back Guardiola
Despite the eye-watering costs, the City hierarchy is reportedly willing to sanction the moves. The club’s leadership sees the acquisitions as essential to reversing their poor form and reigniting their push for silverware. Guardiola’s demands underscore the urgency of the situation, with the manager determined to avoid a season of mediocrity.
Other Transfer Developments
While Zubimendi, Wirtz, and Araujo dominate headlines, City are also exploring other options. Atalanta’s Ederson has emerged as a potential summer target, though his price tag makes a January move unlikely.
In contrast, Liam Delap’s potential return to the Etihad has been ruled out, despite his impressive form at Ipswich. The 21-year-old striker, sold to the Tractor Boys last summer, has attracted interest from Premier League rivals, but City appear content to let him continue his development elsewhere.
Haaland Contract Talks and McAtee’s Future
City are reportedly close to securing a lucrative new deal for Erling Haaland, fending off interest from Real Madrid. Meanwhile, James McAtee is said to be frustrated with his limited opportunities and could seek a move away in January.
Urgency at the Etihad
Guardiola’s January plans highlight the scale of City’s crisis. The potential €260m outlay reflects a club desperate to reclaim its dominance and address the cracks that have emerged. Whether these moves materialize or not, one thing is clear: Manchester City’s season hangs in the balance, and the next few months could define their future trajectory.
As the January window approaches, the football world will be watching closely to see if Guardiola’s demands translate into action—and whether these reinforcements can restore the Cityzens to their former glory.