I believe Manchester City [misread the situation](https://esteemedkompany.com/2024/12/08/did-manchester-city-misread-the-room-last-summer-in-regards-to-squad-size/) surrounding the size of their squad last summer. There were plenty of warning signs last summer, and with the injury concerns that consistently surround several of City’s players, they needed to enter this season with a bigger squad. But they stood still with what they had. This season has seen injuries and a heavy workload ravage Pep Guardiola’s squad this season. So the cost of standing still in the summer market has been an expensive one for Manchester City.
There is a chance for the world champions to bolster their squad next month. The January transfer window opens in a few weeks. While I don’t expect the world champions to sign 6 or 7 players or anything that elaborate they must make several shrewd signings next month. Otherwise, they could be repeating the same mistake they made last summer if they don’t make any moves next month.
Pep Guardiola [told the media](https://www.mancity.com/citytv/mens/pep-guardiola-crystal-palace-away-premier-league-reaction-embargo-63869273) after his team’s draw against Crystal Palace that the solution to City’s current issues is getting his key players back from injury. That statement isn’t wide of the mark. But it can’t be the only thing the world champions rely upon to turn their season around. Getting players back from injury, of course, will help. No one is denying that. But to only rely on that saving City’s season would be ignoring some facts that are clear to see.
Manchester City need another midfielder to cover Rodri’s loss. That’s an obvious move. There is merit to signing another right-back in light of Kyle Walker’s sudden decline. Another striker would ease the pressure on Erling Haaland. Those are three moves that could and should be made by Manchester City next month. The arrival of Claudio Echeverri from River Plate may bolster City’s attacking stocks next month. So that could be one solution already on the way for Manchester City. But that won’t solve the midfield and right-back issues.
But for me, Manchester City can’t afford to stand still once again in January. They did that last summer and the cost of that move is clear to see. It’s one error they can’t afford to make again next month. Otherwise, they’ll be repeating the same mistakes and questions will be again be asked if they don’t do anything of note during the January transfer window.