Manchester City endured a relatively quiet transfer window this summer.
Pep Guardiola admitted he was “happy” with City’s squad while being quizzed about whether the club would make any signings on deadline day.
It was also reported that after from Guardiola, sporting director Txiki Begiristain was also satisfied with Manchester City’s roster.
It seems like apart from Savinho and Ilkay Gundogan, the decision-makers at the Etihad Stadium were not necessarily convinced by any player in the transfer market.
In the past, Manchester City have famously walked away from potential transfers, either at the final stage or earlier on due to being unconvinced about a variety of factors associated with the deal.
But there were a few players that City missed out on that could have potentially bolstered their side.
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Bruno Guimaraes would have been the perfect Man City signing
It was reported as recently as over two weeks ago that Manchester City felt Bruno Guimaraes fancied a move to the club.
But it was reported that Newcastle United were unwilling to let the Brazilian leave late into the transfer window — with another claim also being stated that City were on the lookout for a quality player with experience who was willing not to start regularly.
Regardless, Guimaraes confirmed his desire to stay at Newcastle as well and has been appointed as the club captain.
While Gundogan’s return would signify that Manchester City may not have needed to sign the 26-year-old at the end of the day, having another player capable of deputising in Rodri’s absence would have left them in good stead.
Guimaraes is also Premier League-proven and since joining Newcastle, he has been one of the best midfielders in England.
But Manchester City could perhaps look into targeting his signature next summer.
Joshua Kimmich
As early as in March, Manchester City’s interest in Joshua Kimmich was reported — who still has one year left on his contract at Bayern Munich.
Earlier this month, it was claimed that Kimmich could sign a contract extension, however.
But regardless, Manchester City could have perhaps ramped up their efforts to sign the German — knowing his contract expires in 2025 and signed a world-class player — capable of playing at both right-back and in midfield at a high standard.
But perhaps City felt comfortable with the likes of Rodri, Bernardo Silva, Ilkay Gundogan and Mateo Kovacic at the end of the day and the same can be said about Kyle Walker and Rico Lewis at right-back.
Kyogo Furuhashi
Last Wednesday, it was claimed that Manchester City were keen on Kyogo Furuhashi as a potential replacement for now-Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez.
Another interesting claim that emerged was that Furuhashi was willing to join the club — making it a relatively simple task for City to agree personal terms with him if they wished to.
Considering the 29-year-old’s wealth of experience, his ability to provide cover up front and out wide as well as his willingness to serve as Erling Haaland’s understudy, he could have made for a solid addition.
But Manchester City were seemingly unconvinced by the Japanese international and it will be interesting to discover whether they reignite their interest in his signature in January.
Orri Oskarsson
On Monday, it was claimed that Manchester City were unlikely to sign Orri Oskarsson as well as Furuhashi this summer.
Fabrizio Romano reported on deadline day that the Icelandic striker was set to sign for Real Sociedad in a deal worth €20 million (£16.8 million).
Considering the measly fee that has been quoted and the fact that Oskarsson is merely 20 years old, he could have proven to be a low-risk arrival at the Etihad Stadium to replace Alvarez.
Alan Varela
Back in May, it was claimed that Manchester City were interested in signing Alan Varela — as well as Arsenal and Bayern.
But it did not seem like City further stepped up their interest in the Porto midfielder.
Regardless, the 23-year-old is known to be one of Europe’s best up-and-coming defensive midfielders — renowned for being incredible defensively and ideal in a possession-based system.
Varela could have been the perfect backup to Rodri but in fairness, would one of the continent’s most sought-after midfielders been satisfied with such an arrangement remains a mystery.
However, if City had signed the Argentine, he could have made for an astute signing.
