Five key transfers Manchester City should make in the January transfer window

When the Premier League 2024/25 season started, Manchester City were expected to go all guns blazing again for the fifth title in a run but they also expected the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal, and Chelsea to challenge their supremacy. Arsenal had come close in the last two seasons while Liverpool had a new manager.

However, Manchester City’s own form was not on anyone’s bingo card of 2024. They have only two wins from the last ten Premier League games and have struggled both in attack and defense. Haaland has failed to get any service, whereas the defense has been caught napping.

With multiple aging legs and a lack of quality in their gameplay, Pep Guardiola and Manchester City will be looking to get their campaign back on track. They are currently seventh on the points table with 28 points, 14 away from the league leaders Liverpool. City would want to get their January transfer window right if they are to salvage this season and finish in the Champions League spots. 

Here are the five key transfers Manchester City should make in the January transfer window:

1. Matheus Cunha - Buy 

The Wolverhampton Wanderers player has continued to draw the attention of multiple big clubs and Cunha is now ready for the big league. The midfielder who can feature as a forward too has 14 G/A to his name in the ongoing Premier League campaign from 18 appearances. The Brazilian had a great 2023/24 season where he had 12 goals and seven assists in the Premier League for the Wolves, in a season where they continued to struggle. 

Valued at €50 million, Cunha has a contract till 2027 with Molineux-based outfit. He will be a key figure for Vitor Pereira’s relegation battle but City’s financial muscle might make his transfer possible.

2. Bruno Guimarães - Buy

Another Brazilian international who had a moderate start to the English Premier League has grown into the role at St James Park. Crucial to Eddie Howe’s plans, Bruno has 5 G/A to his name. In the absence of Rodri, Manchester City have struggled to bind things but Bruno Guimaraes can be a like-to-like replacement for City in his absence. 

Bruno is not only good at playmaking but also breaking the gameplay. He accounts for 2.18 tackles per 90. He also accounts for close to one interception per 90, making him indispensable for the side. Manchester City might have to shell close to €100 million as the club values him just over €85 million. 

3. Florian Wirtz - Buy

The Bayern Leverkusen prodigy and the right-footed German winger is the need of the hour for Pep Guardiola. After the club sold Julian Alvarez and Cole Palmer, there is a dearth of playmakers, and the aging legs of Bernardo Silva and Kevin de Bruyne have done no good to the side. After a monumental season in Bundesliga in 2023/24, with 22 G/A, helping his side to win the title and remain unbeaten in multiple competitions, Wirtz has all the attention of the world. If Manchester City are serious about clawing their way back to the top four race, they have to break the bank to secure this talented forward. 

In the ongoing season, Wirtz has 14 G/A to his name and is helping his side defend the title. Currently, Bayer Leverkusen stand second on the points table and are four points adrift of leaders, Bayern Munich. Wirtz’s valuation will be off the roof with three years left on the contract and his upside potential with the club valuing him at €150 million, which could make him the most expensive signing of the league if City would do so. 

4. Jack Grealish - Sell 

One player who has disappointed not only Manchester City fans but also fans across English football, has to be Jack Grealish. In the summer transfer window of 2021, Manchester City bought him in a deal worth €117.50 million from Aston Villa. Ever since then, the player has not turned up for the club. Even the neutral fans have raised concerns over his attitude and passion for the game. His valuation has dipped by more than 50%, with him valued at €45 million. 

At Aston Villa, Grealish terrorized the defense from the left flank with his playmaking and foul-drawing skills. However, in four seasons at Etihad, he has just 11 goals and 12 assists to his name, causing concerns for his side. Selling him would not only free up funds but also provide the club a chance to secure a hungrier and passionate player. 

5. Kyle Walker - Sell 

The Manchester City right-back has been instrumental in the club’s fortunes over the last few years, and more so after Vincent Kompany and Sergio Aguero hung their boots. Walker continued to be a leader in the dressing room and on the field for the side, making a great contribution to the team’s success. 

However, with the ever-increasing pace in the Premier League and the quality of playmakers in the Premier League, Kyle Walker has struggled for consistency. His stats have gone down by a significant margin, raising defensive frailties of the side. For example, the player’s success in winning the headers has dropped from 60% to 50% while also his pass percentage dropped by ~3% compared to the previous season. With Manchester City looking to address their defensive concerns and players’ raising through the academy, Pep Guardiola should look at replacing Kyle Walker, whose contract is set to expire in 2026.