Manchester City could swoop to embarrass Liverpool this January transfer window
Having fought it out for the Premier League title several times in recent years, Liverpool and Manchester City are expected both to be up there once again this time around.
Arne Slot’s champions are the favourites to retain their crown according to many, leaving City in the unfamiliar position of underdogs for one of the first times in Pep Guardiola’s reign. The Catalan has never gone two successive seasons without winning a league title in his managerial career, so it will be intriguing viewing to see how the former Barcelona great responds to adversity in this campaign.
It is the Reds who have been the early pace-setters, winning their first three Premier League fixtures with late winners against Bournemouth, Newcastle United and Arsenal. It has hardly been vintage viewing but Slot’s side have got the job done, which is more than can be said for the Cityzens after back-to-back league defeats. The January transfer window could ultimately prove a key turning point in the season.
Manchester City could launch huge Liverpool hijack to shake up title race
His situation may be more complicated than previously thought, though, amidst reports by The Times that Liverpool will not be returning to try to sign Guehi in the January window. The belief is that waiting to sign the 25-year-old on a free transfer when his contract expires next summer is viewed as the right decision by the Merseyside club.
The Reds are not the only side believed to be in for Guehi, however, and this decision could open the door for a sensational hijack by Man City. The Sky Blues were linked with Guehi late in the summer window, with reports stating that Guardiola wanted to sell both of Manuel Akanji and Nathan Ake before making any concrete moves for the England international, who started against Andorra on Saturday.
In January, things could be different. Reports by Football Insider state that Palace would want a cut-price £25 million fee in order to part ways with their captain mid-season.
Marc Guehi could be just the player Man City need to mount title push
Guehi is already a top Premier League performer and has the potential to become a world-class defender as he enters his peak years. His quality is undeniable, as is City’s need to refresh their central defensive options.
City looked more open at the back at times last season and that has continued this campaign. Guardiola has several defensive options but none of them are nailing down a first-team spot at present. Ruben Dias found himself relegated to the bench at Brighton & Hove Albion while Josko Gvardiol has been out of action, John Stones is injury-prone and Abdukodir Khusanov is still adapting to the division.
There is no doubt that the introduction of Guehi would instantly elevate the Cityzens back four. Not only a top-class defender, Guehi is an FA Cup-winning captain and a future leader at the back for wherever he ends up next. That could yet be abroad, amidst rumours that Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich are also eyeing up a swoop - but if City act fast in January, they can secure an almighty hijack and leave Liverpool red-faced.
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