As the reigning champions of the Premier League with an unprecedented four consecutive titles, Manchester City experienced a significant downturn in November, making their quest for a fifth consecutive title highly unlikely. Currently trailing Liverpool by a massive 12 points, manager Pep Guardiola has admitted that retaining the title is no longer feasible. Instead, securing a spot in the UEFA Champions League has become the primary objective for the remainder of the season. With an aging squad and key players sidelined due to injuries, it is imperative for the club to bolster its ranks during the winter transfer window. This period will mark the beginning of a significant investment in new talent to revitalize the team.
According to renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, three high-profile targets have been in close contact with Manchester City over the past ten days and are likely to be the first signings of the winter window. The combined value of these players amounts to a staggering €170 million. The first player on the list is Marmoush, one of the standout forwards from the first half of the Bundesliga season. Having scored 18 goals and provided 11 assists across 24 appearances for Eintracht Frankfurt, his individual prowess, explosive power, technique, and finishing ability are all top-tier. What particularly appeals to Guardiola is Marmoush's versatility, as he can play in any attacking position upfront. With Frankfurt aware that they will eventually lose him, a move to Manchester City seems imminent. The two parties have already reached a comprehensive agreement, with personal terms largely settled. Manchester City is expected to pay Frankfurt at least €80 million for his services.
The second player is Huseynov, a 20-year-old center-back from Ligue 1 side Lens and an international for Uzbekistan. He has been one of the best-performing center-backs in the first half of the Ligue 1 season, excelling in positioning, defense, and one-on-one duels. This young talent would provide a valuable addition to City's backline and is seen as a significant highlight in the team's rebuilding process. Despite having a market value of just €12 million, Lens is demanding no less than €50 million for his services. However, with Guardiola's track record of spending big, he has already indicated to the club's hierarchy his intention to secure the signing.
The third player is Vitor Roos, a prodigious talent from Brazilian side Las Palmas, who, along with Chelsea's Estevao, has been named among the top 20 rising stars in the Brazilian league for 2024. Romano reports that personal terms have been agreed upon between Manchester City and Roos, and negotiations with Las Palmas are nearing completion, with a total cost estimated at around €40 million. With these three signings set to cost Manchester City €170 million, the team's overall strength is poised to receive a significant boost. It remains to be seen who the fourth player to join the squad will be.
