January transfer window
There is no doubt that the defence needs sorting out, Gabriel Jesus arrives on January 2nd. A winger very similar to Neymar. That could pave the way for Navas (out of contract in the summer) or even Yaya Toure. A midfielder needs to leave to make way for GJ, unless he is loaned out. Don't rule that out, but Pep did say he is coming to be a squad players to start. Sane could be loaned out too. He is young. That would allow Navas to leave in the summer and complete his last season here. I don't think he will be offered a new contract.
Fernandinho is also out of contract in the summer. I'd give him a new 2 year deal. He's been so good so reassurance of a couple more years would ease everyone's concern for losing him. Fernando could leave, I don't think he will. Not in January anyway, but even in the summer. Yaya is out of contract in the summer and Delph's injuries aren't good, I'd put them ahead of Fernando to leave. As you can see, Fernandinho has a lot more to offer than all those mentioned. Why hasn't he got a new deal yet? Is he under review by Pep or the club? His sending off against Chelsea for stupid raising of his hand and suspension in the CL won't have helped his cause. But Pep likes him and plays him... A lot. City could sign a new CM or DM in January but I don't think they will. If Delph can get over his injuries then why sign someone. Zaba can cover there, Garcia, even Kompany when he can sort his own fitness out. The summer, City will need a DM and a CM for me. Who that could be? I'd like to see City go after at least one English or British midfielder and a young, hungry, ball playing midfield player that can dominate. We missed out on Pogba, players like Vidal, Pirlo, Xavi all spring to mind but they're not getting any younger. They could be an option though. Xabi Alonso would be a good shout, I've heard Khedia (he'd suit Arsenal in my opinion) but my shout is Kroos for the summer. We were linked this summer, Pep likes him, he would suit everything that Pep stands for and the style of football Pep and Man City want to play. He won't be cheap though. Do Madrid need to sell him? Modric is dominating their midfield right now. Kroos is only 26, go and sign him I say. Negotiate and get him. We missed out on Pogba and if Kroos becomes available, other clubs will sign him. Get in there first. For DM, you have Bender of Dortmund who I like, Alonso again and Busquets who suit what Pep likes to do. For English players, you have Henderson, Dier or even Milner but they would be expensive and are they an improvement to the squad? I don't think so. If City want some British or English players, sign some youngsters. Ward-Prowse is my shout. He isn't any worse than Delph, younger and not as injury prone. He may cost a bit though. But you know what I mean. Arsenal signed Holding, a young CB for the future so I think City could nurture and breed young English players too. I don't think that will happen this January but it is something to look out for in the summer and in future transfer windows.
Bravo isn't the answer for City's goalkeeping woes. Caballero is out of contract in the summer. He will leave, his moments in the LC final last season will not be forgotten though. I called for the last season or so for City to sign Pickford of Sunderland, now he is starting for Sunderland, winning them games and keeping clean sheets. He'll cost a fair bit now. They will go for Rulli of Real Sociedad. If he does well this season, he will compete with Bravo next season. City signed him, sold him for profit to Sociedad and have a buy back option. I don't know what it is but I think they will activate it. Gunn could also run for backup. He's learning, he could be loaned out next season to showcase what he has learnt over the last year or so. A sensible option in my opinion. Him and Rulli could well be the future of the club.
Now to defenders. Ugh. It's obvious that City's problems are in defence. Kompany is so injury prone. We are literally carrying him through each season but he takes up space in our squad and football is a squad game. We can't limber around season after season waiting on Kompany. He's so good but I think he should retire. Become a coach and learn from the best with Pep. Become a future manager. I don't see what else he can do. He can't even complete 2 or 3 games anymore in a row. Enough is enough and a crunch decision on his future from him and the club, could well come this summer. Not in January but the club could still sign a CB in January but I doubt it. Who could replace Kompany if he leaves, you ask? Well, City have missed out on Mats Hummels, Sandro and Laporte. They could go in for him this summer, Bonucci too. Chelsea were after him but I think they're the two most likely in my opinion. I think we may see one of Clichy, Zabaleta or Sagna leave this January. All out of contract this summer and it's likely City may look to replace them. Bellerin has signed a new contract at Arsenal, Alaba should be target number one but he'll cost a lot of money, 60-70 million pounds plus I reckon. But left back and right back do need improvement. Walker, Rose will be expensive. Rodriguez is an option at LB. Lichtsteiner is another. But he's not getting any younger. A young LB Kolasinac, at Schalke is a real option. He's worth a punt if Clichy leaves. We could see City go in for an attempt on Bonucci too. I wouldn't say no to his partner Chiellini either. They're options and options that could be signed this January, certainly attempts will be made for reinforcements in the summer with players and out of contract players. But is suspect 2 or 3 signings, GJ one of them and perhaps a CB or DM and maybe a RB or LB, depending on who leaves. I would sell players (permanently) first and sign afterwards. Avoid situations like Bony, Nasri, Hart, Mangala who are all out on loan. But we will have to see. City certainly need more in defence, harden up and score more.
