With the January transfer window looming, Manchester City is currently being linked with a host of midfielders. A new report from TeamTalk indicates that Manchester City have identified Atalanta midfielder Ederson as their top target for the January transfer window. The report also suggests that Bruno Guimaraes is seen by Pep Guardiola as his ideal midfield signing. Both players would be strong additions to Manchester City’s midfield. But for me, Manchester City should be aiming to bring in the pair of Brazilian midfielders next month.
Rudy Galetti has reported for TeamTalk that Manchester City have identified Ederson as their top target for the January transfer window. Galetti adds that Manchester City have intensified talks with Ederson’s agents to explore the possibility of a January move for the Atalanta midfielder. Furthermore, Galetti adds that Atalanta has placed a €60 million price tag on the Brazilian midfielder.
It is also included in Galetti’s report that Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes is Pep Guardiola’s dream midfield signing. Galetti further reports that Newcastle could demand £100 million for the Brazilian international. As per Galetti’s report, if that proves to be the case, then Manchester City could look to sign Guimaraes next summer.
The pair of Brazilian midfielders would immediately add bite and energy to City’s midfield if they could land the pair in January.
Watching Manchester City play currently they lack energy and bite in midfield. It has been clear to see throughout City’s poor recent run of form. Players such as Mateo Kovacic, Ilkay Gundogan and Bernardo Silva don’t have the attributes that Manchester City lack in midfield. Those attributes are something that Ederson and Bruno Guimaraes have in spades.
Watching Ederson play for Atalanta, you can see why Manchester City would be interested in the Brazilian midfielder. He is a bundle of energy in Atalanta’s midfield. He is strong in a challenge and is always willing to help out his defence. The Brazilian is also adept in possession and can get forward when necessary. Those attributes would be of immense value to Manchester City’s midfield.
Bruno Guimaraes has the bite that City’s midfield lacks. Since Rodri went down with an ACL injury City’s engine room has a weakness in winning midfield duels. That is something that Guimaraes excels at. The statistics below emphasize this point. The Newcastle captain is another player who would immediately strengthen City’s midfield. Pairing him with Ederson would give Pep Guardiola’s side a real edge in midfield.
Bruno Guimarães has won more duels than any other player in the Premier League this season. 😤 pic.twitter.com/XnYgANYXAe
— Squawka (@Squawka) December 17, 2024
A move for both Bruno Guimaraes and Ederson may not be possible next month but it is something that Manchester City must pursue.
Signing both Ederson and Bruno Guimaraes may not be possible in January. It may not be possible to sign any one of them. Time will reveal the answer to that question. But in my opinion, the world champions should be looking to add both players next month. Manchester City must aim high next month to strengthen Pep Guardiola’s squad. He needs players with energy that he can trust to do a job. Guimaraes and Ederson appear to be those players. For me, that is the type of move the world champions must explore next month to improve their ailing midfield.