As the January transfer window is well underway, Manchester City would boost their chances of winning on multiple fronts once again by getting some business done.
With that in mind, we decided to identify three players who could elevate the squad at Pep Guardiola’s disposal this month.
1. Mats Wieffer could prove to be the perfect Rodri understudy for Manchester City in January
In our view, Mats Wieffer should be on top of the transfer wish list for Manchester City in January, as their need for a reliable backup option for Rodri cannot be overstated in any way, shape or form.
The Feyenoord midfielder is capable of playing in a withdrawn No.6 role as well as further forward.
Much like Rodri, the Dutchman is a sublime technician, capable of retaining the ball to perfection, a progressive passer and press-resistant.
Defensively, Wieffer has shown a tendency to cover ground excellently with his long strides and read any signs of danger towards Feyenoord’s goal with aplomb.
At 6 ft 2in, the 24-year-old would likely adapt to the Premier League’s physical demands as well.
However, with Feyenoord hoping to bridge the 10-point gap between themselves and PSV at the top of the Eredivisie table, whether they would be willing to sell a key player like Wieffer to Manchester City remains a doubt.
As far as potential understudies to Rodri go, who Shaun Wright-Phillips believes is the most important player at Manchester City, Mats Wieffer should certainly be considered as a serious option by the club.
2. Ousmane Diomande could be a brilliant signing for Manchester City in January for several reasons
It was claimed on Monday that Manchester City, alongside the likes of Chelsea, Newcastle United and Manchester United were interested in signing Ousmane Diomande in January.
Furthermore, it was revealed that any interested club would have to pay a handsome £69 million (€80 million) fee to secure the Ivorian’s services from Sporting CP this month.
Ousmane Diomande would be a terrific addition to the Manchester City juggernaut for a couple of reasons.
Firstly, the 20-year-old is especially excellent at defending in wider areas, which would make him a suitable alternative to Kyle Walker, who has erred at times this season.
Often playing on the right side of a back three, the highly-rated defender is experienced playing in a similar role to the Englishman at City.
In addition, Diomande’s comfortability in possession would also perhaps make him an upgrade to Walker in Manchester City’s build-up.
Considering John Stones has been riddled with injuries once again this season, Ousmane Diomande could also deputise for him during his absence, with the Sky Blues’ only other right-sided centre-back option being Manuel Akanji.
However, with Akanji often shifted across the backline, Diomande could fill in for Stones with ease.
Whether Manchester City prioritise signing the wonderkid in January is a question worth asking but he could prove to be an astute capture for the present and the future.
3. Pedro Neto could fill the gaping hole on the right wing for City
On Thursday, journalist David Ornstein revealed in a Q&A session for The Athletic that while Manchester City admire Pedro Neto, he is not expected to leave Wolves in the January transfer window.
Even so, Pep Guardiola’s men should try to reunite the Portuguese wideman with Matheus Nunes at the Etihad Stadium.
Currently, City lack a natural option on the right wing, with Jeremy Doku also looking far more at ease as a left-winger.
Phil Foden has shown in recent weeks that he is at his mesmeric best in midfield and the same can be said for Bernardo Silva since his move to Manchester in 2017.
Pedro Neto, however, is an out-and-out right winger and this season, he has reminded the world why he is one of the best of the best in the Premier League.
The 23-year-old is the joint-second highest in the league’s assists table with seven this season, with only Ollie Watkins and Mohamed Salah bettering him with eight to their names.
Pedro Neto, while being quite different to Riyad Mahrez as a wideman could prove to be the heir to his throne if he were to become a Manchester City player in January.
Much like Mahrez, the former Braga winger is a specialist in one-versus-one situations, as he showcased in Wolves’ 2-1 win against City this season as he gave Ake one of the toughest outings in recent memory.
Blessed with pace to burn and technical elegance as well, Pedro Neto could evolve into a world-class wide forward if Pep Guardiola got his hands on him.
If Manchester City secure Pedro Neto’s services in January, he would fulfil a problem area in their squad while potentially adapting right from the get-go due to being Premier League-proven.
