Man City Eyes January 2026 Transfer Targets to Dominate the Market
Manchester City's disappointing 2024–25 season prompted significant transfer activity during the previous summer window.
New signings were brought in for goalkeeper, left-back, and midfield positions to revitalize Pep Guardiola's team. This strategy has proven successful as the Citizens reestablish their dominance.
Nevertheless, with City anticipated to challenge for all four major competitions this season, particularly the Premier League and Champions League, certain squad positions still require improvement.
Although extensive January business seems improbable, especially given Guardiola's preference for a streamlined roster, City shouldn't overlook market opportunities and demonstrated their readiness to spend mid-season with last year's busy January transfer period.
Below are the positions they might reinforce in January, along with potential transfer candidates.
Right Back
Right-back has posed challenges for City following Kyle Walker's unexpected decline. Currently, they possess three alternatives: Rico Lewis, a natural right-back, Matheus Nunes, a converted midfielder, and Abdukodir Khusanov, originally a center-back.
City was widely expected to strengthen their right-back position, yet they chose not to acquire one during summer. Nunes seems to be Guardiola's favored choice, though he still appears somewhat unsettled in his adapted role.
For City to reclaim their position atop English and European football, they arguably need a world-class right-back—though such players are admittedly scarce currently.
Key Targets
Tino Livramento was considered the solution to City's right-back problems during summer and remained under close observation by the eight-time Premier League winners. Nevertheless, Newcastle United made it crystal clear that their defender was unavailable.
The former Chelsea player, who can also operate at left-back, would represent an outstanding though costly acquisition, but his recurring injury problems might worry City's scouting department.
Should City pursue a younger, less proven right-back, Sporting CP's Iván Fresneda merits attention, alongside Feyenoord prospect Givairo Read.
Defensive Midfielder
City celebrated Rodri's return late last season and during the FIFA Club World Cup after recovering from a severe ACL injury, but the Spanish midfielder has encountered similar fitness problems this campaign. Recurring issues have restricted his participation in Premier League and Champions League matches.
Rodri cannot be counted on for consistent weekly appearances, requiring City to carefully monitor his playing time this season. Nico González, his fellow Spaniard and deputy, has yet to demonstrate his complete capabilities in Manchester.
The defensive midfielder provides adequate protection and excels at tactical fouls, but contributes minimally in possession. Despite approaching his 24th birthday, he remains far from Rodri's peak performance level.
Key Targets
Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson and Brighton & Hove Albion's Carlos Baleba, both also pursued by Manchester United, might appeal to City, particularly Anderson given his remarkable rise to England's national team. Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton represents another possibility.
Guardiola has frequently praised Bruno Guimarães previously, and the Brazilian would constitute an outstanding acquisition, though he would command enormous fees and prove extremely difficult to extract from Newcastle's control.
Across Europe, Stuttgart's Angelo Stiller stands out as an impressive performer drawing English interest, while Ajax's 17-year-old Jorthy Mokio could serve as a future Rodri successor.