Image Credits: Imago Images
Manchester City’s defensive crisis has deepened dramatically in recent weeks, forcing Pep Guardiola to accelerate his January transfer plans. The Cityzens have suffered a devastating double blow at the heart of their defense, with key defenders Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias both sidelined with significant injuries. Gvardiol sustained a tibial fracture to his right leg during the 1-1 draw with Chelsea, requiring surgery and potentially keeping him out for four to five months. Meanwhile, Dias picked up a hamstring injury in the same match, ruling him out for between four and six weeks
With eleven fixtures across all competitions before Dias’ expected return in mid-February—including Premier League clashes against Manchester United, Tottenham, and Liverpool—City’s title hopes hang in the balance. The severity of the situation has prompted City officials to fast-track their summer defensive recruitment plans into this January window.
That’s why reports this week have asserted that Pep Guardiola is very keen on signing Liverpool target Marc Guehi, with Fabrizio Romano claiming that City were in direct negotiations with Crystal Palace over the deal. Now the Mirror has gone one step further, reporting that Manchester City now believe they have outmaneuvered the Reds in the race for the England international’s signature, with the club ready to finalize a £30 million deal in the coming days.
Liverpool came agonizingly close to securing Guehi last summer, reaching a £35 million agreement with Palace and even completing a medical examination before the deal collapsed on deadline day when Palace couldn’t find a suitable replacement. That failure has now come back to haunt the Reds should the deal go through in the coming days as is being reported.
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