Man City's Fresh Recruits Sidelined for Crucial Galatasaray Clash
A disappointing end to 2024 prompted Manchester City to nearly outspend the rest of the Premier League combined during the previous January transfer window.
The Citizens invested £180 million ($247.8 million) on four acquisitions, with only one (Omar Marmoush) making a notable contribution as Pep Guardiola's team stabilized, though they ultimately finished the 2024–25 campaign trophyless.
The circumstances weren't quite as dire for the former Premier League powerhouse heading into 2026, despite their inability to display the dominance characteristic of their exceptional squads in recent years.
Three straight league stalemates to begin the year highlighted a lack of clinical finishing on the pitch, but City certainly cannot be criticized for being passive in the transfer market. They've capitalized on a market chance to acquire Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth, and prevented Liverpool from getting another opportunity at Marc Guéhi.
Guéhi's arrival has helped address a catastrophic defensive injury situation, while Semenyo's City tenure has begun promisingly. However, neither will be available on Wednesday evening, as City wrap up the league stage of their Champions League journey at home against Galatasaray.
Why Man City's New Signings Can't Play vs. Galatasaray
Why Man City's New Signings Can't Play vs. Galatasaray
Since Guéhi and Semenyo were acquired by Manchester City this month, they cannot participate in the league stage.
City, along with all 36 participating clubs, were required to submit their final A-List roster (maximum 25 players) for the league stage back in September. Squad modifications are not permitted until the knockout rounds, though this means Semenyo and Guéhi could potentially make their Champions League debuts later this season.
UEFA regulations allow clubs to add up to three players to their A-List before February 5.
Currently positioned 11th in the standings, City find themselves in a playoff position. A win against Galatasaray on Wednesday would provide them an opportunity to reach the top eight and secure automatic qualification for the round of 16. Nevertheless, with five clubs ahead and two behind also holding 13 points, they'll require numerous favorable results to climb into eighth place or better.
How Could Pep Guardiola Replace Semenyo and Guéhi?
How Could Pep Guardiola Replace Semenyo and Guéhi?
Both players were brought in before the previous week's journey to Bodø/Glimt, but neither, as we've explained, was permitted to travel to the Arctic Circle.
For what proved to be a calamitous expedition, Guardiola selected youngster Max Alleyne alongside Abdukodir Khusanov in central defense, and chose a formation without traditional wingers in attack. Jérémy Doku remained on the bench throughout, though he did appear as a substitute during the weekend.
Doku is anticipated to return to the starting eleven on Wednesday evening, as will Erling Haaland. Nevertheless, Marmoush's display on Saturday might earn him a retained spot. Should Doku start on the left flank, either Phil Foden or Rayan Cherki will probably be assigned to drift in from the right side. Savinho would be an ideal choice, but he's presently sidelined with injury.
In central defense, Alleyne's difficulties in the Manchester derby and against Bodø suggest Nathan Aké will likely partner Khusanov at the Etihad.