Manchester City have endured a roller-coaster ride of a season so far but they certainly have the ability within their squad to turn things around and find some consistency, especially with Pep Guardiola at the helm.
With such a talented squad, it’s difficult to see exactly where City could look to bolster their ranks at the Etihad Stadium this month and it means seeing players’ depart from the Citizens is a more likely scenario.
While the punters in the Transfer Tavern have often lamented certain individuals being kept on at the club as they enter their new dawn, the fact their beloved Sky Blues are challenging on four fronts has seen a few change their tune of late.
City do have a number of ageing names in their squad and fresh young talents who struggle to earn consistent opportunities, which may lead to interest from rival clubs, but they need to be smart with their outgoing deals.
The two player’s we’ve identified here will certainly have eyes cast their way during the January transfer window but Manchester City should definitely not axe them- as we’ve explained here.
Aleix Garcia
The 19-year-old talent is one of the most exciting young prospects within Manchester City’s ranks but he’s earned just six appearances this season, half of which have been in cup competitions and only two of which have been starts, both coming in the League Cup.
A loan move may hand Garcia more regular opportunities but at his age regular football isn’t yet a necessity. Developing with Manchester City’s squad and benefitting from cameo appearances is the right call at this stage in Garcia’s career, which means the Citizens should snub any offers that come their way.
Pablo Zabaleta
At 31 years of age, it’s clear that Pablo Zabaleta’s time at Manchester City is drawing to a close and recent reports have indicated City have considered letting him leave. However, Guardiola should block a move immediately.
With 11 Premier League appearances this term, Zabaleta has featured enough to warrant a stay at the Etihad Stadium and impressed in midfield recently. City’s full-back ranks are struggling as it is and they may find it difficult to find a replacement in January, which means this deal should be avoided.
