Tumbling down the table and now facing a huge test to clinch a Champions League spot with a top-four finish in the Premier League, Manchester City fans in the Transfer Tavern are far from impressed with what they’ve witnessed.
Having spent more money than anybody else last summer, the Citizens have failed to spark a push for glory and their only January arrival, Gabriel Jesus, was another who was secured before the season but had to wait before finalising his move.
That’s left the Manchester City fans in the ban livid with manager Pep Guardiola, as he’s failed to address the problems in the squad and the supporters are fearful that this could be costly come the end of the season, with the Citizens now playing catch-up to Arsenal, Tottenham and Liverpool.
Fortunately, there’s still enough time left and the fans in the bar have identified the transfer business they want to conclude as soon as possible, picking out on ideal target and keen to see two players moved on.
Out: Tosin Adarabioyo
You’d be forgiven if Tosin Adarabioyo is not a name you recognise but the 19-year-old talent has attracted the interest of Everton this month, who could be looking to strengthen their defensive ranks if veteran Phil Jagielka moves to Sunderland.
The Manchester-born defender doesn’t look set to earn first-team opportunities at the Etihad Stadium in the coming months, with a wealth of ability ahead of him, and the fact that City are consistently linked to new defensive recruits raises the chances of Adarabiyo leaving even more.
Out: Yaya Toure
With just a few months remaining on his contract, Yaya Toure has made it clear he’s not interested in the money in China and wants to finish his career in England.
City though should consider all options, as the Far East will pay a hefty sum for his services.
The Ivorian is no longer the crucial player he once was and there is always the risk of a breakdown in his relationship with the staff at the club and his team-mates.
As it gets to the crucial stages of the season, such a breakdown could be disastrous- so offloading Toure may not be a bad idea.
In: Juan Bernat
Manchester City have endured vast problems with their defence this season and all of their full-back options are ageing, which makes 23-year-old Juan Bernat the ideal recruit- not just because he’s already worked with Pep Guardiola at Bayern Munich.
A price-tag of around £20m is certainly affordable for the Citizens and a deal this month would bolster their chances of finishing in the top-four, which is going to be crucial in the summer when Guardiola aims to tempt big names into the Etihad Stadium.
