Five players who could join Man City in January

Tom Weber

8 Dec 2023 07:25 CST
4 min read

Last season's treble winners Man City are in the midst of an unexpected crisis and could look to strengthen themselves in January.

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It seemed inconceivable at the start of the season that we could be talking about a "Man City crisis" in December, but here we are. After four games without a win, and having been thoroughly outplayed by Aston Villa in their recent 1-0 loss, the Cityzens sit fourth in the Premier League table.

After spending lavishly in the summer, Pep Guardiola's side could once again dip into the market in January and bring in several fresh faces in a bid to lift the team. FootballTransfers takes a look at five players who could be on the move to the Etihad next month.

Douglas Luiz

Kalvin Phillips is once again close to leaving City, which means that the Manchester giants could dip into the market for a midfield replacement. Douglas Luiz has been one of the standout performers this season and this has attracted Guardiola's attention.

Though Aston Villa have no intention to sell, putting a hefty price tag on his head, the Cityzens have the financial muscle to match the astronomical demands, perhaps more so than Arsenal, who have been the Brazilian's biggest suitors.

Arnau Martinez

Guardiola loves centre-backs who can also act as full-backs and vice versa. It is no wonder then that City have been linked with a move for Arnau Martinez.

Already technically on the books at City as he plays for CFG sister club Girona, the 20-year-old has been a vital cog in the LaLiga's stunning success this season. A right-back by trade, the wonderkid can also play centrally.

Man City are eyeing a long-term replacement for veteran Kyle Walker and have also been linked with Chelsea's Reece James. However, it's unlikely that the Blues' captain would leave for City, especially in January.

Valentin Barco

A signing for the other side of the defence could be Valentin Barco. Long-linked with City, the Boca Juniors youngster is expected to head to Europe in January.

Unlike Martinez, the 19-year-old is a more traditional, attack-minded left-back. City have been looking at options for the left for some time, at one point considering a free transfer swoop for Chelsea's Ian Maatsen, but the Blues eventually triggered a one-year extension in his deal.

Leny Yoro

Europe's elite is battling for Leny Yoro's signature and City are firmly in the mix, having already approached Lille over a potential signing, according to recent reports in France.

The 18-year-old is already a regular in Ligue 1 and has been since age 17. His exceptional performances have attracted the attention of the likes of Chelsea, PSG and Man Utd in addition to City.

At City, Yoro could eventually become Josko Gvardiol's long-term partner at the heart of the defence.

Claudio Echeverri

Having signed Julian Alvarez from River Plate in 2022, City could use their good relationship with the Argentine giants to their advantage in the race to sign Claudio Echeverri.

The 17-year-old turns 18 in January, which means that he will be able to head to Europe in the winter, though it is likely that he will remain with River until the summer. The youngster recently made headlines with his outstanding performances at the U17 World Cup, most notably netting a hattrick against hated rivals Brazil.

City are also said to be interested in his River and Argentina teammates Agustin Ruberto and Ian Subiabre, though Chelsea will reportedly match any bids for the teenage wonderkids.