Manchester City are looking to be proactive in the January transfer window as they eye three potential season-changing players.
Pep Guardiola insists his side are out of the title race as they sit sixth in the Premier League, 14 points behind leaders Liverpool, but the race for Champions League football is still on.
City have endured a massive injury setback with Ballon d’Or winner ruled out for the rest of the season having sustained an ACL injury against Arsenal in September.
They’ve also experienced uncharacteristic loss of form from individual players, including from Kevin De Bruyne, who is set to leave the club on a free in the summer.
Meanwhile, the usually ever dependable Erling Haaland experienced a run of just two goals in nine Premier League games.
Perhaps a few new signings could give City the shot in the arm their season badly needs with the reigning Premier League champions targeting reinforcements in defence, midfield and attack.
talkSPORT.com takes a look at three players City have been linked with and how they could settle in at the Etihad Stadium.
Omar Marmoush
Man City are targeting Eintracht Frankfurt forward Marmoush, who has lit up the Bundesliga with 13 goals and eight assists this season, the Daily Mail reports.
A continuation of last campaign’s form as Marmoush registered 37 goals and assists in the 2024 calendar year, joint eighth in Europe alongside Raphinha and Florian Wirtz.
His versatility across the pitch is thanks to an all-around skill set that remains a heavy burden for defenders to deal with.
The Egyptian could fill the void left by Julian Alvarez who departed for Atletico Madrid last summer.
4
Yes, Haaland will be the starting striker, but Marmoush is suited to playing with a strike partner as he does at Frankfurt currently.
Ederson
Same name and nationality as City’s No.1 goalkeeper, but this Ederson could add the much needed mettle to Man City’s midfield.
Comfortable as an eight or deeper in play with a pivot partner, Ederson would be great cover for Rodri or as a partner for the Spaniard.
He’s an all-action midfielder that played a significant role in Atalanta’s 2023/24 Europa League winning campaign.
Gian Piero Gasperini’s team have continued to have success currently sitting top of the Serie A as they chase their first ever title.
4
He will run himself into the ground for his team – having the most league minutes as an outfield player for Atalanta – and provides excellent cover for his back line when defending.
As reported by the Daily Mail, the Man City hierarchy are looking at bringing in the midfielder.
Abdukodir Khusanov
The 20-year-old defender has been added to Man City’s watchlist, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The centre back joined RC Lens in July 2023 from Belarusian club Energetik BGU for €100k and has since become one of Europe’s most promising young talents.
If he was sold this window the Uzbekistan international could fetch a fee from £20-30m.
4
He definitely needs to improve on the ball but his out of possession qualities are very good considering his age.
Compared to centre backs across Europe’s top five leagues and top competitions (Champions and Europa League) he is in the top percentile for interceptions per 90 with 2.34.
