Manchester City have struggled under Pep Guardiola this season despite a blistering start after the manager’s appointment in Manchester, and fans in the Transfer Tavern are concerned that they’re already out of the title race…
Sat 12 points behind leaders Chelsea after dropping even more points at the weekend, Pep Guardiola has a lot of work to do in the second-half of the season – and fans are desperate for him to splash the cash.
The back pages are adorned with rumours concerning the Citizens and their lavish spending, which has led a group of punters by the pool table to jot down what their potential XI could look like in February if Guardiola unleashes his budget.
What’s left is a formidable looking team that is certainly capable of clawing their way back into the title race and one that would also be able to compete for the biggest honour of all; the Champions League.
With that said, this is the potential Man City XI come February 1st if transfer rumours are to be believed…
GK: Claudio Bravo
The future of the Chilean goalkeeper at Manchester City looks bleak, but it’s a problem that will have to be solved at the end of the season. Bravo will likely remain number one for the remainder of the year.
Bravo is a capable goalkeeper, though, shown by the fact that he’s won two international tournaments in recent years, and he could still shine. However, he does need to improve dramatically.
RB: Bacary Sagna
Like Bravo, the right-back area of the side is something that will be fixed in the summer and Bacary Sagna remains the best choice in this area. Experienced, reliable and still highly capable, Sagna is not to be frowned at.
Turning 34 next month, this is likely to be his last season at the Etihad Stadium and City would be wise to use his services whilst they can.
CB: John Stones
Signed for almost £50m in the summer, John Stones has struggled to make a positive impression at the Etihad Stadium but he still remains as one of the finest young defenders in English football. Once he finds his feet, Stones could excel for years to come.
It’s impossible to write off a player just a few months after their arrival at the club and Stones will retain the trust of Pep Guardiola, with the England defender likely to be the point for the Catalan boss to build his defence around in the coming years.
CB: Virgil Van Dijk
The other, more experienced defensive fix for Manchester City is Southampton defender Virgil Van Dijk. Valued at a lofty price, the Dutch ace would certainly be worth it as his performances this season have been incredible.
Still just 25, Van Dijk is younger than Otamendi and would be a significant upgrade. John Stones is still a capable player for the future, if he sorts himself out, but Van Dijk, Laporte and the Englishman would be a formidable trio to choose from.
LB: Gael Clichy
Like Sagna on the other side, Gael Clichy is likely to find himself out of the first-team next season but, once again, that’s a problem to solve in the summer. For now, the 31-year-old is a valuable member of the squad and shouldn’t be overlooked.
With vast Premier League experience, Clichy will be vital in the second-half of the season and will be harder to replace than many think.
CM: Grzegorz Krychowiak
Failing to settle in the French capital, it’s reported that Grzegorz Krychowiak will be able to leave Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City are reported to be in a straight shoot-out for his signature with Premier League rivals Arsenal.
Krychowiak would be a formidable acquisition for Guardiola’s side, providing the ability to be impactful at both areas of the pitch and would be an ideal long-term replacement for the ageing Yaya Toure.
CM: Ivan Rakitic
Patnering Krychowiak in centre-midfield, Ivan Rakitic would fill the void left by Ilkay Gundogan’s injury absence and would be a hell of a coup. With the Croatian no longer a guaranteed starter at Barcelona, a transfer could play into the hands of City.
At 28, Rakitic is in the prime years of his career and also wouldn’t stop City eyeing more long-term recruits. A fine player that can go toe-to-toe with the best in the world, Rakitic would provide a big improvement to City’s current options.
RM: David Silva
Now 31, David Silva is no longer as important as he used to be for the Citizens but is still a valued member of Pep Guardiola’s side. Leroy Sane is probably the long-term replacement for the Spaniard but Silva will remain for the reminder of the season.
Experienced and world-class when at his best, Silva could be influential in the second-half of the current campaign.
CAM: Kevin De Bruyne
Succeeding the likes of Yaya Toure and David Silva as City’s most important midfielder, Kevin De Bruyne is amongst the best in the world in his position and City will shine with his guidance for a number of years- as he’s just 25.
With 19 assists and 9 goals in his 48 appearances in Manchester City colours, adding to an overall contribution of 28 goals, De Bruyne’s record is impressive and he will look to continue in that fashion this term.
LM: Raheem Sterling
Shining under the guidance of Pep Guardiola in the early stages of the season, Raheem Sterling’s performances have slipped a bit in recent months- but the same can be said for the entirety of the squad, so he’s not alone.
Having only turned 22 last month, Sterling has his whole career ahead of him in Manchester and will be an important player for years to come- especially when the old guard of Silva, Toure and Kompany move on.
ST: Sergio Aguero
Not quite at his brilliant best this season, Aguero has still managed to hit 11 goals in 15 appearances. His regular absence through injury and suspension is a problem though, amidst speculation he may be ousted in the summer.
That would be a bold move as Aguero, at 28, is entering the prime years of his career- a scary thought for a player who is City’s all-time leading scorer, netting 113 goals in 165 appearances.
