Pep Guardiola is set to accelerate his January transfer plans (Image: James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images)
Pep Guardiola aims to enhance his team during the January transfer window following a period in which Manchester City has secured only two victories in their last 14 matches.
Pep Guardiola intends to revise his January transfer strategy and expedite a transfer for Abdukodir Khusanov this month.
Guardiola is contending with a significant injury crisis in defense, as at least one of Manchester City’s four primary centre-backs has been absent in the past 14 matches. This has coupled with a dismal performance streak.
The current Premier League champions have secured only two victories throughout that period, resulting in a decline to sixth place in the standings. They currently trail leaders Liverpool by 14 points, who also possess a game in hand.
The January transfer window presents Guardiola with the opportunity to strengthen his faltering squad. The beleaguered manager has prioritized the acquisition of defenders in the upcoming month.
The Manchester Evening News reports that City is contemplating expediting their intentions to acquire Khusanov. The 20-year-old has had a fantastic season with Lens, having joined the French club in 2023.
He is the inaugural Uzbek to compete in Ligue 1 and the youngest participant in the Champions League and Europa League. His performances in France have garnered the interest of City, who regard him as a potential future asset.
Guardiola has never acquired a first-team player as youthful as Khusanov, with Josko Gvardiol being the youngest at 21. However, due to a significant injury crisis, City may alter their tactics.
Khusanov is reportedly garnering interest from other elite clubs and would require an investment of approximately £20 million for acquisition. The city is reportedly ‘very interested’ and may consider acquiring him this January.
This would represent a notable reversal for Guardiola, who merely two weeks earlier asserted that he anticipated a tranquil transfer market. Upon inquiry regarding his intentions to acquire any players in January, Guardiola responded: “No.” I desire the return of my players – the guys currently in our possession.
I desire the team we had at the season’s outset that was fervently competing. This is my sole regret: the absence of these players, rather than new ones. We shall observe at the appropriate time.
The transfer market has demonstrated the escalating costs of players over the previous four to five years. Regrettably, we do not excel in that regard. If we require players, we will explore the transfer market; but, I am unaware of the available options.
“We have recognized it from the outset, but Rodri is a Ballon d’Or contender.” We are competing without the premier player from England last season. This is the issue. It is challenging. Once he returns, we shall regain our strength.
