- Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has reportedly been handed a £200 million transfer budget to address the team's struggles and rebuild the squad
- City’s slump, including five consecutive losses and injuries to key players like Rodri, has accelerated plans to sign high-profile targets such as Zubimendi, Gyokeres, and Guimaraes
- Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi tops City’s list of midfield targets, with a reported valuation of £60 million
Pep Guardiola has reportedly been handed a staggering £200 million transfer war chest to revive Manchester City's faltering title defence. The reigning Premier League champions have endured a tough start to the season, plagued by injuries and poor form, leaving their hopes of securing a fifth consecutive league title in jeopardy.
City's current struggles have been unprecedented in Guardiola's illustrious career. The team has lost five games in a row, a first under Guardiola’s management, and conceded two or more goals in six consecutive matches, a feat not witnessed since 1963.
Adding to their struggles, a humiliating 4-0 home defeat to Tottenham and the away 2-0 loss to Liverpool have intensified the pressure on the Spaniard to turn things around.
Guardiola, who recently committed to a new contract, expressed his determination to rebuild his squad amidst these setbacks,
“I don’t want to run, I want to be there and rebuild the team in many aspects from now until the end of the season and next season,” he said.
According to reports, Manchester City initially earmarked £100 million for winter signings, but their recent slump prompted the club to double the budget. The additional funds are expected to address key weaknesses, particularly in midfield, where the absence of Rodri due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury has left a void. The influential midfield’s maestro absence has coincided with City’s poor form, compelling the club to fast-track their transfer plans.
City’s shopping list reportedly includes high-profile names like Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi (£60 million), Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres (£65 million), and Newcastle’s Bruno Guimaraes (£75 million).
Additionally, Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton has emerged as a potential target, despite his recent groin surgery.
Guardiola’s frustration with the squad’s lack of depth has been noticeable. In a recent press conference, he admitted that injuries have severely hampered City’s progress,
“The squad is really good, but we don’t have a squad, it’s not just Rodri, it’s many players. Six weeks without four centre-backs and two holding midfielders, it’s not sustainable. This is the time to prove myself. I have to find solutions every day and try to make things work.”
Martin Zubimendi, a long-term target who reportedly rejected a move to Liverpool in the summer, remains high on Guardiola’s list. The Real Sociedad playmaker’s ability to dictate play from deep would provide much-needed stability to City’s midfield. Meanwhile, Wharton, if fit, could offer a younger alternative for the future.
Guardiola’s focus on January reinforcements shows the urgency of City’s situation. With a bruised squad and a historic title streak at risk, the club’s management has backed their manager with substantial funds to ensure a mid-season revival. Whether these investments will pay off and restore City’s dominance remains to be seen, but one thing is clear, Guardiola is not backing down from the challenge.
Man City faces uncertain future as Guardiola holds his cards to his chest
Previously, TheRadar reported that Manchester City’s future hung in the balance as Pep Guardiola talked about the departure of Txiki Begiristain, the club’s long-serving director of football.
While Begiristain’s influence will be missed, Guardiola is also faced with questions about his own future. With his contract expiring at the end of the current 2024/2025 season, the Spanish manager has hinted at being “closer to leaving than staying” after securing City’s historic fourth consecutive Premier League title in May.