5 players Manchester City should sign to solve their problems

Few could have predicted the predicament Manchester City found themselves in at the end of 2024. The defending Premier League champions sat in sixth place, 14 points behind leaders Liverpool, after a disastrous run of just two wins from 14 matches in all competitions.

Much of the Citizens' troubles can be traced back to Rodri's unfortunate season-ending injury during their 1-1 draw against Arsenal on 22 September. The midfielder, who won the Ballon d'Or just days later, has been sorely missed. The Spaniard is key to so much of how Pep Guardiola wants his side to play.

Since their slump, Guardiola has openly acknowledged Manchester City’s need to strengthen in the January transfer window. While the reigning champions boast a formidable squad, injuries and massive dips in form have exposed some vulnerabilities and underlying issues that need to be addressed. Here are five players City could target to fix their woes.

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At just 21 years old, Bayer Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz has established himself as one of Europe's most creative midfielders. Guardiola needs a long-term heir to the increasingly injury-prone Kevin De Bruyne, and Wirtz’s eye for a pass and ability to control games make him a perfect fit.

The German's versatility also allows him to play across the midfield - and even the frontline - giving City more tactical flexibility. Wirtz’s arrival would also relieve pressure on Bernardo Silva and Phil Foden to constantly deliver in creative roles. His ability to operate between the lines would add another dimension to City’s attack, helping to future-proof their midfield.

If the deal materialises, Wirtz could become a cornerstone of City’s midfield for the next decade. A sizeable bid might be needed, but the investment could pay dividends for years to come, especially with Guardiola’s history of developing midfield talent, such as the positionally similar Andres Iniesta.

With Rodri indisposed for the foreseeable future and with the demands of such a congested schedule, City need a quality backup holding midfielder who can eventually step into the Spaniard’s shoes. The standout candidate for this role is Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, who has emerged as one of La Liga's top talents and is, in fact, Rodri's understudy in the Spanish national team.

Zubimendi’s composure, passing range and defensive nous mirror Rodri’s style, making him an ideal candidate for Guardiola’s demanding tactical setup. His defensive reliability would also help shield City’s backline, which has repeatedly looked vulnerable this season.

At 25, he’s entering his prime and, as Liverpool's bid in the summer showed, Real Sociedad are open to selling their prized asset. And with La Real struggling, Zubimendi may now be open to finally trading San Sebastian for England.

Newcastle United’s Bruno Guimaraes is already one of the Premier League’s standout midfielders. City’s current midfield options, including Ilkay Gundogan, Kevin De Bruyne and Mateo Kovacic, are ageing, and Guimaraes would provide a fresh injection of energy and dynamism.

Guimaraes isn’t just a defensive midfielder; he’s a complete package capable of influencing games at both ends of the pitch. His ability to break lines, dictate tempo and contribute defensively would strengthen Guardiola’s engine room no end.

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Convincing Newcastle to sell in January might be difficult, though. But City’s almost limitless resources could turn the tide. The Brazilian's arrival would certainly give City one of the most complete midfields in Europe.

With Julian Alvarez heading to Atletico Madrid in the summer and not being replaced, City need another versatile forward to take the goalscoring burden away from Erling Haaland. One candidate for this role is Canadian striker Jonathan David. He has been in prolific form for Lille, attracting interest from top European clubs.

David’s pace, finishing and ability to operate in multiple attacking roles would make him an excellent option for City's frontline. His adaptability means he could also partner Haaland in a two-striker system if needed. His high work rate and intelligent movement would complement Guardiola’s pressing philosophy.

David's contract expires in the summer, therefore potentially making him available at a reduced price this winter. The forward is about to turn 25, meaning his signing could be a smart, long-term investment for the club.

Bayern Munich’s Joshua Kimmich could solve multiple issues for City in one swoop. With Kyle Walker’s form dropping off a cliff, Kimmich could slot in as a reliable right-back while also offering world-class cover in midfield. His experience and leadership would undoubtedly bolster City in high-pressure situations and bring invaluable versatility to Guardiola’s side.

Few players bring Kimmich’s combination of tactical understanding and technical ability. His addition would allow Guardiola to rest key midfielders while maintaining quality on the pitch. Kimmich’s leadership qualities could also help guide younger players in the squad. Whether at right-back or midfield, his versatility would add much-needed depth.

Crucially, Kimmich’s contract is also set to expire in 2025, meaning Bayern may sell in January to avoid losing him for free later. If City can secure Kimmich on a bargain deal, it could prove to be one of the shrewdest January signings in recent memory.

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