Is the Manchester City squad now stronger after the transfer window? | OneFootball

Manchester City had a busy January transfer window. Overall, they made six signings and Claudio Echeverri will join Pep Guardiola’s squad next month as he is currently on international duty with the Argentina under-20 squad at the South American under-20 Championships. Here is a look at if the City squad is now stronger after the transfer. In this assessment, the signings of Juma Bah and Christian McFarlane aren’t factored into the equation. Bah is on loan at Lens for the remainder of this season, and it isn’t immediately clear where McFarlane will fit into the Manchester City set-up.

Defence

The signings of Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis do improve Manchester City’s centre-back stocks. Although both players are young and appear to be signings for the future, they could contribute right away to Pep Guardiola’s squad. They should get those opportunities during the remainder of this season given the injury and fitness concerns we have seen plague Manuel Akanji, Nathan Ake, John Stones and Ruben Dias. All told City’s centre-back situation does appear to be more stable after the January transfer window.

Manchester City could have also done with signing a full-back. Andrea Cambiaso did loom as a potential target for City but that move didn’t eventuate. So Pep Guardiola’s side will have to soldier on with who they have at the full-back position. Matheus Nunes and Rico Lewis look set to continue on at right-back. Although both players have had issues with form at times this season, they can do the job, but they aren’t elite right-backs at this stage. Josko Gvardiol will continue as Manchester City’s first-choice left-back. Who provides cover for the Croatian international remains to be seen at this stage.

Manchester City’s defence does appear to be stronger following the January transfer window. There do appear to be concerns about the full-back position, but Pep Guardiola does have more defensive options at his disposal for the remainder of this season, and that can only help Manchester City’s cause.

Midfield

The biggest issue that Manchester City had to address during the transfer window was in midfield. They simply had to sign a midfielder who could step into the void left by Rodri’s absence. That player also had to have the potential to play alongside City’s midfield general when he does return from injury. It took until deadline day but Manchester City appear to have found that player in Nico Gonzàlez. His arrival from FC Porto adds exactly what City have lacked in midfield for the majority of this season.

But the signing of Nico Gonzàlez won’t immediately solve the issues that already exist in Manchester City’s midfield. We have seen City’s midfield struggle at times this season. This issue especially stands out when City play quality and more athletic opponents. That won’t be solved with the signing of one player. But the signing of Nico Gonzàlez is a major boost to the Manchester City squad. How much he can contribute this season remains to be seen. But based on his pedigree he should be able to play a role in City’s push for honours this season.

Attack

Manchester City also signed Omar Marmoush from Eintracht Frankfurt during the January transfer window. He fills the void left in City’s attack since Julian Alvarez departed the club last summer. Marmoush has played twice since he arrived at the club. He showed signs of what he’ll add to Pep Guardiola’s side against Chelsea. Although he was more subdued against Arsenal the runs he made at the Emirates will become a weapon for Manchester City when his teammates are used to playing with the Egyptian international.

Signing Omar Marmoush does increase the attacking options that Pep Guardiola has at his disposal. At times, it has been Erling Haaland or bust for Manchester City, and they do look to have more quality upfront with the addition of Marmoush. Also, the development we have seen from Savinho and Jeremy Doku when the Belgian international is fit does give City’s attack a more potent look.

Summary.

Manchester City’s squad is stronger following the January transfer window. That was their aim heading into it and it was accomplished. Whether or not Manchester City’s new signings can make an immediate impact remains to be seen. But Pep Guardiola does now have more options at his disposal and after a season in which his squad has been decimated by injuries and fatigue that is a major positive.