Manchester City have their work cut out to win a fourth consecutive Premier League title. Thankfully for Pep Guardiola, January has come at an opportune moment to address a lull in results, and Express Sport takes you through how the winter transfer window could pan out at the Etihad Stadium...
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Two flops on chopping block
Kalvin Phillips' £45million move from Leeds United has been a disaster. The 28-year-old has seen fewer than 90 minutes of Premier League action across four substitute appearances this season, and even a spell without midfield talisman Rodri didn't see him get a run of matches.
Game time is believed to be a high priority for England international Phillips ahead of Euro 2024. Reports indicate that he therefore wants assurances before agreeing to sign for either Newcastle United or Juventus, who are both believed to be sniffing around.
Sergio Gomez could join Phillips by heading for the Etihad exit after being consistently overlooked by Guardiola. Turkish giants Galatasaray are said to be interested in making a loan offer for the 21-year-old.
Reinforcements out wide
The Sky Blues are short on the right flank after losing Riyad Mahrez and Cole Palmer during the summer. Phil Foden and Bernardo Silva have deputised out wide this term, but both would claim to be more effective in central areas.
Tajon Buchanan is rumoured to be a player of interest, and the 24-year-old certainly fits the brief of a player at home on the wing. Club Brugge are rumoured to want £50m for his signature, however, which could stop City in their tracks.
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Argentina wonderkid Claudio Echeverri is another prospect with admirers at the Etihad. The attacking midfielder, who can also play out wide, excelled at this year's Under-17 World Cup, and a package in excess of £17m is reportedly on the verge of sealing a deal with River Plate, who will retain the player on loan for the rest of the season.
Cancelo replacement
A system tweak in recent weeks has seen City revert to a more traditional back-four. But in Josko Gvardiol and Nathan Ake, Guardiola only has central defenders masquerading as left-backs to call upon.
Gomez is an orthodox option by comparison, but the City boss' team selection has made it clear that he is not up to scratch. Joao Cancelo used to wreak havoc on the left-hand side of defence, and a player in a similar mould would do the Sky Blues no harm whatsoever.
Boca Juniors teenager Valentin Barco, whose contract expires in 12 months' time, is reportedly a long-standing target for Guardiola. Meanwhile, Yan Couto is tearing teams to shreds with sister club Girona, and although he is generally deployed at right-back, he could imitate Cancelo and be equally impactful from the left under the right circumstances.
A path may eventually be cleared to see him join up with City, although nabbing him from the La Liga title-chasers mid-season is likely too much to ask.
