Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is demanding significant reinforcements in the upcoming January transfer window to salvage the club’s faltering season. Following a series of disappointing results, including a historic Champions League collapse and three consecutive Premier League losses, Guardiola has identified three key targets to reinvigorate his squad.
The first name on Guardiola’s wishlist is Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi. The Spanish midfielder, earning £49,000 per week, is seen as an ideal understudy and eventual successor to Rodri. With a £50 million release clause, Zubimendi has been on the radar of top Premier League clubs, but prying him away from Sociedad midseason could be a challenge.
Florian Wirtz of Bayer Leverkusen is another top priority. The attacking midfielder has been sensational this season, contributing nine goals and four assists in 19 appearances. At just 21, Wirtz is regarded as the future of City’s creative force, particularly as Kevin De Bruyne nears the twilight of his career. However, his contract lacks a release clause, meaning City may need to break transfer records to secure his services.
The final target is Sporting CP’s Maximiliano Araujo, a dynamic winger whose performances have sparked interest across Europe. The 24-year-old Uruguayan is under contract until 2029, but City are reportedly keen to move swiftly to beat competitors to his signature.
Securing all three players in January would be a bold and expensive statement from Manchester City, but such a move reflects Guardiola’s determination to address his team’s vulnerabilities and reignite their push for domestic and European success.
