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PEP GUARDIOLA is poised to make his return to the January transfer market for the first time in SEVEN years as he aims to address Manchester City’s troubling slump.
Guardiola is expected to have substantial funds available, having helped the champions raise over £250 million in player sales over the past two years.
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Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes and Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad are both on City’s radar following Ballon d’Or winner Rodri’s season-ending ACL injury.
The reigning champions have struggled lately, suffering seven losses in their last ten matches due to injuries that have disrupted their performance during this difficult six-week stretch.
They plan to search the market when the transfer window reopens next month to recover their faltering season.
City knows that securing top-tier talent in the winter transfer window can be challenging, having not made any significant signings since center-back Aymeric Laporte joined back in 2018.
The board is prepared to back Guardiola if the right player becomes available at an acceptable price.
Bruno is reportedly keen on a move to City, but persuading Newcastle to part with one of their key players mid-season will be a daunting challenge.
This summer, his club placed a valuation of £100 million on him, a price that City deemed unrealistic, though his performances this season have not justified such a valuation.
Zubimendi caught Liverpool’s attention earlier this year but opted to remain in Spain; he is now more open to offers.
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The management at Etihad has always aimed to prepare for transfer windows in advance; however, a wave of injuries has left their squad stretched with many matches still on the horizon.
In addition, City’s poor performance in the Champions League has already cost them almost £6 million.
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Should they fail to advance to the Last 16 in the upcoming New Year, they could incur an extra £9 million loss.
The new league format grants teams £1.7 million for a win and about £600,000 for a draw.
In contrast, rivals Liverpool have performed exceptionally well, maximizing their earnings from their six league matches thus far.
Meanwhile, City has only managed to win two matches—against Slovan Bratislava and Sparta Prague.
They have drawn with Inter Milan and Feyenoord, while facing defeats to Sporting Lisbon and Juventus, casting doubt on their chances of moving forward.
Historically, under Guardiola, City breezed through the group stages, winning all of their six matches last year.
This season, however, they find themselves in 22nd place in the table and must secure points in their final two games next month to avoid a humiliating early exit.
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What will happen to Man City?
MAN CITY began the season as the favorites for the Premier League title once again – yet a substantial issue looms that may hinder the Etihad giants.
Sunsport’s MARTIN LIPTON discusses the potential scenarios over the coming months with Head of Sport SHAUN CUSTIS….
Custis: So the key question – will there be a resolution this season?
Lipton: Yes…. likely! It’ll take at least a month to analyze the evidence. I expect a result around March or April, but that’s where complexities arise.
Custis: What complicates matters?
Lipton: If the outcome is favorable for City, that will conclude the matter. They will be cleared of any wrongdoing and face no repercussions.
However, if City is found guilty, they could face unprecedented penalties from the Premier League.
I suspect that if they are deemed guilty, expulsion from the league or a significant points deduction along with a hefty fine could prevent them from competing in the Premier League the following season.
Check out the full discussion on Man City’s future.
