With the injuries sustained by Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias, Manchester City do appear to need to sign a centre-back during the January transfer window. However, given the impressive performances from Max Alleyne and Abdukodir Khusanov, City do not need to rush to find a centre-back who can step into Pep Guardiola’s squad immediately. Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi looks to be Manchester City’s first-choice transfer target to slot into their squad this month.Bologna centre-back Jhon Lucumí was also reported to be a target for City if they couldn’t sign Guehi this month.
It now looks that any potential Manchester City move for Jhon Lucumí is now off. The powerful defender suffered an injury last weekend and the injury he sustained would seemingly rule any move to the Etihad out for Lucumí.
Jhon Lucumí is facing a spell on the sidelines due to injury.
Sport Witness has relayed a report from publication Il Resto del Carlino that Bologna centre-back Jhon Lucumí suffered an injury last weekend and is set to be sidelined for several weeks. Furthermore, it is reported that Lucumí is unlikely to play for the remainder of January. Due to this, it is now considered highly unlikely that Manchester City will pursue a move for the Colombian defender. It is also reported that Lucumí’s entourage were eager to pursue a move to City this month. But that opportunity is seemingly off the table due to Jhon Lucumí now being injured.
Manchester City can take their time this month to find the ideal centre-back for Pep Guardiola’s squad.
If Manchester City were indeed interested in signing Jhon Lucumí this month, his injury has scuppered that potential move. That is a blow for Lucumí, but City are not in a rush to sign a centre-back as things stand. Max Alleyne and Abdukodir Khusanov have performed extremely well in the heart of City’s defence. The injuries to Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias have given them an opportunity to play, and they’ve seized it with both hands. Due to this, Hugo Viana can take his time finding the right centre-back to slot into Pep Guardiola’s squad. Who that player could be, remains to be seen. Marc Guehi seems to be Manchester City’s primary target to step in at centre-back. Whether or not City can convince him to forego his upcoming free agency and the money on offer, remains to be seen.
Jhon Lucumí’s injury has likely ended any interest Manchester City had in signing him this month. That is a blow for Lucumí but City aren’t as desperate for a centre-back who can contribute straight away as it seemed a week ago. It is now a waiting game to see who City could target to step in at centre-back this month. Especially if City’s move for Marc Guehi doesn’t come to fruition.