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Pep Guardiola is reportedly targeting a major squad overhaul to address Manchester City’s current slump, which has seen them win just one of their last 13 matches and fall to seventh in the Premier League, trailing leaders Liverpool by 14 points.
In an attempt to turn the tide, City are ready to spend big on reinforcements, with the intention of refreshing the squad across two transfer windows. Guardiola’s wishlist reportedly includes a centre-back, full-back, two midfielders, and two forwards, with a particular focus on January reinforcements.
According to The Times, the five players Guardiola is reportedly targeting are:
- Martin Zubimendi (Real Sociedad)
- Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle United)
- Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich)
- Florian Wirtz (Bayer Leverkusen)
- Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace)
Zubimendi and Guimaraes are seen as crucial additions to Manchester City’s midfield, particularly with the absence of Rodri for the rest of the season. While City have previously been linked with both players, moves are expected to be challenging, especially in the winter window. Zubimendi turned down a move to Liverpool in the summer and is reportedly reluctant to leave Sociedad anytime soon.
Musiala and Wirtz have both impressed in the Bundesliga, but they are unlikely to come cheap, and Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen will be reluctant to sell their star players.
Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi has emerged as a target following his strong performances, including during Euro 2024 with England. Despite Palace rejecting several bids worth around £70 million from Newcastle in the summer, United are also interested in Guehi, making this a competitive pursuit.
Additionally, City are considering other potential signings, including:
- Omar Marmoush (Eintracht Frankfurt), valued at £40m
- Liam Delap (Ipswich Town), who could return to the club
- Dani Olmo (RB Leipzig), amid Barcelona’s registration issues
- Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace), a talented midfielder
City are also keeping an eye on defenders Juma Bah, currently on loan at Real Valladolid from AIK Freetong, and Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite.
Guardiola, speaking after City’s 1-1 draw with Everton, stressed the importance of adding players to the squad: “We struggle especially in the back and in the middle… I think we have to [add players], but I don’t know if it’s going to happen. The winter transfer window is not easy.”
Despite the pressure, Guardiola has vowed not to quit, aiming to turn around City’s fortunes. Ahead of their trip to Leicester, he declared, “I will try, I will keep going. I will not give up. I want to be here and make it work.” He added, “The biggest test is to come back again, but we have done that before.”
