Report reveals Manchester City ready to make new signing in upcoming January transfer window

Manchester City are reportedly ready to strengthen one position during the upcoming January transfer window.

The summer transfer market came and went without too much in the way of heavy investment from Manchester City on their playing squad, with only one of their two arrivals costing the club finance through a transfer fee.

Savinho joined Pep Guardiola’s operation in a deal that could reach a total of £33.6 million via add-ons, leaving fellow City Football Group side ESTAC Troyes for the Etihad Stadium, and being followed through the door by Ilkay Gundogan on a free transfer from FC Barcelona.

However, Julian Alvarez’s big-money move to Atletico Madrid in an agreement worth a total package of €95 million meant Manchester City found themselves short in the striker department with no natural support for Erling Haaland.

Despite links to the likes of Celtic’s Kyogo Furuhasi, City opted not to invest in the position late in the window, but may return to the market in the coming months depending on their situation at the time.

That is according to Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke, quoting sources in his report, who claims that the Premier League champions are now ready to pull the trigger on a brand new striker signing during the upcoming January transfer window.

It is claimed that with budget available, City will press on with January spending if they are hit by injuries or fall behind in the Premier League title race, with support for Erling Haaland ‘most likely to be at the top of the wish list’ for Pep Guardiola and his recruitment officials.

For now, Manchester City and Pep Guardiola – alongside support from his coaching staff – will utilise existing options in the first-team squad, including operating with players somewhat out of position in a false-nine system.

The belief is that during times of rest or injury for Erling Haaland this season, Guardiola could turn to the likes of James McAtee, Phil Foden, and Kevin De Bruyne in the false-nine role, as well as Oscar Bobb upon the Norwegian’s return from injury.

McAtee may have left on another loan agreement this season, or even a permanent transfer amid interest from dozens of clubs in Europe. However, Guardiola’s determination to keep the attacking midfield proved telling and the England international has remained in Sky Blue.