Manchester City is setting its sights on signing a new central midfielder as a top priority for the January transfer window, sources have told Football Insider.
On Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke discussed the urgency behind City’s plans. He noted that the team would need at least one new midfielder if injuries continue to impact their squad, which is already dealing with a growing injury crisis.
Manchester City is actively planning for the upcoming January transfer window to address significant squad needs, particularly in light of injuries to key players like Rodri, Kevin De Bruyne, and the recent departure of Julian Alvarez. With Rodri sidelined due to a knee injury, City has been experiencing a gap in midfield stability. Although Mateo Kovacic and other midfielders have stepped up, it’s clear they require additional support to maintain City’s level of play and depth, especially in a demanding Premier League and Champions League schedule.
To replace De Bruyne, City is rumored to be exploring versatile and dynamic midfield options who can complement or gradually fill De Bruyne’s role. The club is reportedly interested in Paris Saint-Germain’s Xavi Simons, currently on loan at RB Leipzig. Simons, valued around €80 million, brings creativity and technical skill, and could fit into City’s evolving midfield strategy, which increasingly values players who can break down defenses through dribbling as well as passing.
In addition, with Julian Alvarez’s departure, City might seek an additional forward to maintain its depth in attack. This approach reflects a proactive strategy by City to adapt and sustain their title defense ambitions while mitigating injury risks through squad rotation and fresh talent. While these plans are ongoing, City’s targets are likely to balance immediate needs with a long-term view for the squad’s evolution.
Adding to City’s woes, Ruben Dias, John Stones, Jack Grealish, and Oscar Bobb have all been sidelined as well, thinning the squad’s depth and prompting City’s management to prioritize new recruits. Sources report that the club has already started compiling a list of potential signings.
City’s transfer team has been alerted after a tough 4-1 Champions League loss to Sporting CP, marking the team’s third consecutive defeat—their first such streak since April 2018. While players like Kovacic have shown resilience, there’s growing concern about whether the current roster can maintain the club’s high standards.
Although Manchester City’s squad is one of the Premier League’s deepest, Guardiola expressed concern over the injuries and challenges this season. “We know we will struggle and we have to accept that, and it is fine,” he shared with Sky Sports following the Champions League loss. “The games will be difficult; in previous seasons, it was smooth. Personal reasons, injuries, we won six Premier Leagues in seven years. Things change, we have to accept that.”
City is now aiming to tackle these issues by making smart moves in the transfer market, with Rodri’s absence identified as the primary area of concern.
