Manchester City are keen on Antoine Semenyo and it could be a busy January transfer window at the Etihad
Bernardo Silva and Matheus Nunes of Manchester City put Antoine Semenyo of Bournemouth under pressure during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Bournemouth at Etihad Stadium on November 2
Antoine Semenyo in action for Bournemouth against Manchester City
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Manchester City have generally been quiet observers in the January transfer window - then 2025 happened. The Blues were in the grip of a dreadful run of form and Pep Guardiola and Txiki Begiristain acted. The City rebuild Guardiola felt could be conducted in the summer was brought forward and the Blues spent nearly £200million in strengthening the squad - more than half the total outlay of Premier League clubs.
Omar Marmoush and Nico Gonzalez arrived as first-team options while Vitor Reis and Abdukodir Khusanov were signed with the future in mind. It was by far the busiest January window in recent times for City, who also offloaded long-term captain Kyle Walker on loan.
As we prepare for the 2026 January window to open, City are again expected to be active. Here's five transfers that could happen next month.
Antoine Semenyo
City are actively looking at the Bournemouth man who has a £65million release clause in his contract that can be activated in January. The 25-year-old is almost certain to leave the Cherries and a clutch of clubs are keen on his services, including Manchester United.
Chelsea are also interested and Liverpool are long term admirers. Tottenham have been credited with an interest although that feels remote given Spurs’ league position and the other sides in contention for his signature. Semenyo scored 14 times for club and country last season and his goal threat, versatility, premier league experience and work-rate make him an attractive fit for City.
Oscar Bobb
It rather summed up Bobb’s season that when handed an opportunity in the League Cup tie with Brentford he was forced off injured inside 20 minutes. The winger has bags of potential and looked set for a defining role at the start of last season before a leg fracture in August put pay to his chances. This term he's struggled for opportunities and when they've arisen he hasn't taken them. A move away in January and a a distinct possibility, although it remains to be seen whether that will be a loan or permanent exit
Kalvin Phillips
The midfielder hasn't been part of City’s plans for about three years. He did make an appearance off the bench against Huddersfield in the early rounds of the Carabao Cup but has no future at the Etihad. He'll be allowed to depart if an offer arrives.
Claudio Echeverri
Since coming on for a surprise debut in the FA Cup final and scoring and catching the eye on the Club World Cup things haven't gone to plan for the youngster. A switch to Bayer Leverkusen looked a good move but the manager that signed him - Erik ten Hag - was sacked in the opening weeks of the season and Echeverri has struggled for chances since. He's set to depart Germany next month and the hunt for a new club will begin. City's sister side Girona remains a possibility and there will likely be interest in the 19-year-old but his next decision feels a vital one to get right.
Jahmai Simpson-Pusey
Similarly to Echeverri, Simpson-Pusey has struggled for minutes at Celtic. He's also seen a managerial change and few predicted the difficult campaign Celtic are enduring. The defender would benefit from a fresh start elsewhere in January as he seeks to showcase the abilities that have already earned him a City senior debut.