Pep Guardiola offers early verdict on Manchester City’s four new January signings

Manchester City are ‘satisfied’ with the impact made by their four new January signings, according to Pep Guardiola this week.

Txiki Begiristain and his recruitment colleagues moved swiftly to strengthen their depleted and ageing squad during the winter window amid a hugely challenging season at risk of total disaster when the January market reopened.

Having identified a number of positions for reinforcement during the short window available, Manchester City issued a total spend in the region of £175 million on four new arrivals in defence, midfield, and attack.

Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis came into the club as versatile options to strengthen a defensive line hampered by injuries throughout the opening half of the season, while Nico Gonzalez arrived on deadline day to fill the role left by Rodri’s long-standing injury.

As for Omar Marmoush, he arrived with a stellar reputation for goal contributions in German football and with that a lofty price tag in the region of €75 million, agreed by Manchester City to relieve some pressure and responsibility on Erling Haaland in attack.

Now speaking ahead of Manchester City’s trip to face Tottenham in North London this week, Pep Guardiola has been keen to insist upon his happiness at the start to life made by his four new arrivals at the Etihad Stadium.

“Really good, for the time of training they’ve had,” Guardiola said when asked for his thoughts on his four new players.

“(Abdukodir) Khusanov played against Chelsea, (Leyton) Orient, Newcastle, (Real) Madrid, Liverpool – tough and difficult schedules coming from where he came from, lack of communication in terms of not speaking fluent English. His impact has been really good.:

The 54-year-old continued, “Omar (Marmoush) as well, Nico (Gonzalez) played less, but they’ve been really good. We’re satisfied with the impact. And of course Vitor (Reis), when he has minutes will be in a good level.”

Given the injuries to John Stones and Manuel Akanji in recent weeks, both of whom are expected to be ruled out for at least two months, there may be increased dependancy on Manchester City’s new signings.

Abdukodir Khusanov has already operated in the right-back role against Real Madrid in UEFA Champions League action, locking down Vinicius Jr for the large majority of the contest, before starring against Liverpool on Sunday afternoon.

Vitor Reis can also expect more opportunities in the coming weeks as the on-paper difficulty of matches looks to reduce, while the FA Cup returns with a fifth round contest against Plymouth Argyle of the Championship.