January transfer window

[Andouble]

I think the only signing that City needs is a defensive midfielder.

This

I think we have the best defensive midfielder in the league, and his name is Fernandinho.

A Yaya yellow card suspension or a Dinho twisted ankle away from starting Javi Garcia in a potentially big game.

 

[aguero93:20]

Mourinho's comments at his press conference regarding January were interesting. He basically said that City should not buy anyone, that we don't need to.

Personally I think we'd need to send someone out the door before bringing another in, not for FFP or any of that stuff, just to ensure squad harmony remains.

That said, if there is an outstanding talent out there and he becomes available, buy now and worry about it later. For example, That Lionel bloke over in Spain.

But January is not the time to buy usually. Unless anyone goes out of the CL then could be a quiet one for us incoming, and absolutely no reason at all to sell anyone unless they are being unprofessional enough to be shown the door, and the right offer does materialise. Which means £15m minimum for Dzeko, £5m for Lescott and £24m if PSG start sniffing around Nasri again. I woudl happly keep Lescott under chains until summer and then let him go, for example, as by then we can make a decision on Rekik and evaluate other options, whereas throwing ourselves into potential turmoil, even for a couple of games, for the sake of a few million is not sensible.

Plus, as we did in summer, if we wanted anyone we woudl have moved by now anyway I bet. Another case of sitting back and watching the rest of them panic.

Also be interesting to see what the rags do. As their transfer kitty for 2013/14 was rumoured to be just £30m anyway, and they pretty much blew it all on Fellaini, do they write off this season as a bad one or throw more money at the situation and try to claw their way back?

To be fair, I would hope that anything Mourinho says would be ignored by all those in charge of the purse strings at City. If we need a player I have confidence that they will have been identified and we'll have found out whether they are available in January. Mourinho sees us as serious competition which is why he mentions us in almost every interview he has.

I agree with you that some players need to go before we bring in new targets, but we all know which players would be leaving if the right offers come in. I am also in complete agreement that should an outstanding player become available then we should try to sign them if we can use them in our squad.

I know traditionally January isn't a time to buy major signings but I think it is because it is seen as a last chance to right wrongs in the squad part way through the season (either to save clubs from relegation or trying to find players who aren't cup tied). I actually think that good signings can be made if only one or two are signed. It is foolish to make wholesale changes because you end up with a similar predicament to Spurs in that in trying to accommodate too many new signings the whole pattern of play is disrupted. You can also end up upsetting players who know they will be out of the door come summer and they stop performing at 100%. If City are clever then we may offload one or two and sign one or two replacements than can add to the team. I know Pellegrini has said he doubts we will sign anyone, but he isn't likely to tell the press who we are signing, or who is leaving is he, it will disrupt the squad for a monthor two if he came out with a statement now, as well as giving our rivals chances to scupper any deals we may make.

I also think some fans are over-rating our kids, Rekik has been loaned out to see if he develops, Lopez is only 17, and could play in a few games for us in the cup same as last year, but these kids aren't ready yet. When they are I trust Pellegrini to know when to introduce them into the first team. Our first team squad are still converting to play in Pellegrini's style and the kids also have to fit into this system.

Although I think we will make one or two signings, I could see Pellegrini sticking with what he has if our targets won't come for the right money in January or we cannot shift the players we want too either. With the World Cup looming things could go either way. Saying that I don't think either Wenger or Mourinho would be too bothered if they didn't sign any more players in the next transfer window either.

Fans of all three clubs know as well as the clubs which areas need strengthening, and were probably all guilty of wanting to see new recruits as soon as we can.

The point regarding Utd, will they let things get worse, Kagawa wants to leave, rumours abound regarding Anderson, Young and Nani to be shipped out. I think Utd will try to sign one or maybe two players for midfield, but it all depends how much Uncle Malc will let them spend. Players trying to make a name for themselves before the World Cup and forcing their way into squads is probably going to be a deciding factor come transfer season.

isn't it funny how we never mention mourinho?

 

[MillionDollarDream]

Mourinho's comments at his press conference regarding January were interesting. He basically said that City should not buy anyone, that we don't need to.

Personally I think we'd need to send someone out the door before bringing another in, not for FFP or any of that stuff, just to ensure squad harmony remains.

That said, if there is an outstanding talent out there and he becomes available, buy now and worry about it later. For example, That Lionel bloke over in Spain.

But January is not the time to buy usually. Unless anyone goes out of the CL then could be a quiet one for us incoming, and absolutely no reason at all to sell anyone unless they are being unprofessional enough to be shown the door, and the right offer does materialise. Which means £15m minimum for Dzeko, £5m for Lescott and £24m if PSG start sniffing around Nasri again. I woudl happly keep Lescott under chains until summer and then let him go, for example, as by then we can make a decision on Rekik and evaluate other options, whereas throwing ourselves into potential turmoil, even for a couple of games, for the sake of a few million is not sensible.

Plus, as we did in summer, if we wanted anyone we woudl have moved by now anyway I bet. Another case of sitting back and watching the rest of them panic.

Also be interesting to see what the rags do. As their transfer kitty for 2013/14 was rumoured to be just £30m anyway, and they pretty much blew it all on Fellaini, do they write off this season as a bad one or throw more money at the situation and try to claw their way back?

To be fair, I would hope that anything Mourinho says would be ignored by all those in charge of the purse strings at City. If we need a player I have confidence that they will have been identified and we'll have found out whether they are available in January. Mourinho sees us as serious competition which is why he mentions us in almost every interview he has.

I agree with you that some players need to go before we bring in new targets, but we all know which players would be leaving if the right offers come in. I am also in complete agreement that should an outstanding player become available then we should try to sign them if we can use them in our squad.

I know traditionally January isn't a time to buy major signings but I think it is because it is seen as a last chance to right wrongs in the squad part way through the season (either to save clubs from relegation or trying to find players who aren't cup tied). I actually think that good signings can be made if only one or two are signed. It is foolish to make wholesale changes because you end up with a similar predicament to Spurs in that in trying to accommodate too many new signings the whole pattern of play is disrupted. You can also end up upsetting players who know they will be out of the door come summer and they stop performing at 100%. If City are clever then we may offload one or two and sign one or two replacements than can add to the team. I know Pellegrini has said he doubts we will sign anyone, but he isn't likely to tell the press who we are signing, or who is leaving is he, it will disrupt the squad for a monthor two if he came out with a statement now, as well as giving our rivals chances to scupper any deals we may make.

I also think some fans are over-rating our kids, Rekik has been loaned out to see if he develops, Lopez is only 17, and could play in a few games for us in the cup same as last year, but these kids aren't ready yet. When they are I trust Pellegrini to know when to introduce them into the first team. Our first team squad are still converting to play in Pellegrini's style and the kids also have to fit into this system.

Although I think we will make one or two signings, I could see Pellegrini sticking with what he has if our targets won't come for the right money in January or we cannot shift the players we want too either. With the World Cup looming things could go either way. Saying that I don't think either Wenger or Mourinho would be too bothered if they didn't sign any more players in the next transfer window either.

Fans of all three clubs know as well as the clubs which areas need strengthening, and were probably all guilty of wanting to see new recruits as soon as we can.

The point regarding Utd, will they let things get worse, Kagawa wants to leave, rumours abound regarding Anderson, Young and Nani to be shipped out. I think Utd will try to sign one or maybe two players for midfield, but it all depends how much Uncle Malc will let them spend. Players trying to make a name for themselves before the World Cup and forcing their way into squads is probably going to be a deciding factor come transfer season.

isn't it funny how we never mention mourinho?

He's the perfect wind up to our managers cool calm demeanor, it just sucks MP wasn't able to get the victory over him first. I still say we should go for Kurt Zouma but this time move MDM to DM.

 

[El Mago]

This

I think we have the best defensive midfielder in the league, and his name is Fernandinho.

A Yaya yellow card suspension or a Dinho twisted ankle away from starting Javi Garcia in a potentially big game.

I think thats why we spent 28 mill on Rodwell and Garcia.

And I think Milner and Nasri can play as a CM.

 

[greasedupdeafguy]

I think we have the best defensive midfielder in the league, and his name is Fernandinho.

A Yaya yellow card suspension or a Dinho twisted ankle away from starting Javi Garcia in a potentially big game.

I think thats why we spent 28 mill on Rodwell and Garcia.

And I think Milner and Nasri can play as a CM.

Garcia is garbage
Rodwell although had a purple patch towards the end of last season is still unproven and is plagued by injuries.
Can't see us ever playing Nasri as a CM in a 4-4-2
Milner would probably be my favorite alternative to Fern and Yaya as a CM but is he good enough for a side going for the title and CL?

Would expect another midfielder to be the clubs main priority in the summer. Hopefully Gundogan.

 

[Andouble]

I think thats why we spent 28 mill on Rodwell and Garcia.

And I think Milner and Nasri can play as a CM.

That was a different regime, these guys wouldn't have bought those players.

Milner has gotten a bit more CM play under Pellegrini than Mancini but I don't think he rates him too much there, either.

A DM or a defensively sound central midfielder is surely our biggest priority at the moment regarding transfers.

 

[LoveCity]

Inter want Jovetic on loan with the option to buy.

You know how City will respond to that... the same way they did to the same offer from Juve for Kolarov.

It's strange that there is this perception of Jovetic not being given a chance at City, when it's clearly down to his injuries.

 

[JoeMercer'sWay]

Inter want Jovetic on loan with the option to buy.

You know how City will respond to that... the same way they did to the same offer from Juve for Kolarov.

It's strange that there is this perception of Jovetic not being given a chance at City, when it's clearly down to his injuries.

well it says same return date as David on PhysioRoom so we'll see if he gets game time.

 

[Rammyblues]

Bayern away, along with Silva Dzeko and Kolorov and Hart, bring them up to speed and rest Aguero and Negredo and Nasri

 

[Blue Haze]

This

I think we have the best defensive midfielder in the league, and his name is Fernandinho.

A Yaya yellow card suspension or a Dinho twisted ankle away from starting Javi Garcia in a potentially big game.

A scary thought. If they go down our central midfield is much worse than rags even.

Best case scenario we get one midfielder and one defender.

 

[LoveCity]

If we don't address our midfield in January, I really think it could jeopardise our title hopes. There is no way Yaya/Fernandinho can play every game until the end of the season - also, Fernandinho has been playing in the Ukraine for years and his legs may start to suffer towards the end of the season, because he is playing with great intensity in every game.

Garcia is just mediocre. I think Rodwell has potential, but what's to stop his hamstring going again tomorrow? And Milner isn't a high quality central midfielder I think, that's why Mancini, Pellegrini, Hodgson and Capello have opted not to play him there much. He can fill in but he isn't great in that position even if he did play well for Villa there (lower expectations).

I wonder if the 75% of Barry's wages Everton are paying has made such a big difference off our wage bill that it was worth loaning him out. Barry had his limitations, but as a backup midfielder would have been a great option for us still.

 

[Marvin]

If we don't address our midfield in January, I really think it could jeopardise our title hopes. There is no way Yaya/Fernandinho can play every game until the end of the season - also, Fernandinho has been playing in the Ukraine for years and his legs may start to suffer towards the end of the season, because he is playing with great intensity in every game.

Garcia is just mediocre. I think Rodwell has potential, but what's to stop his hamstring going again tomorrow? And Milner isn't a high quality central midfielder I think, that's why Mancini, Pellegrini, Hodgson and Capello have opted not to play him there much. He can fill in but he isn't great in that position even if he did play well for Villa there (lower expectations).

I wonder if the 75% of Barry's wages Everton are paying has made such a big difference off our wage bill that it was worth loaning him out. Barry had his limitations, but as a backup midfielder would have been a great option for us still.

Milner is good enough to play there whatever England managers have clearly thought. Would a defensive midfielder join City knowing that they will be on our bench?

If City are looking at the Jan window, I think it will be for defensive cover at central defence and left back if Clichy is injured<br /><br />-- Thu Dec 05, 2013 7:00 pm --<br /><br />Will Utd be active in Janaury, and if so who will they buy, and in what position?

Creative midfielder is what their fans have been whining about for 2-3 seasons, but they are also exposed up front if RVP is injured. Welbeck can't score, and Hernandez can't hold it up.

What about Benteke? I suspect when he extended his contract in the Summer he did so on the proviso that if Spurs etc came in for him, he could go?

 

[LoveCity]

Milner is good enough to play there whatever England managers have clearly thought.

Well, firstly, it's not just England managers is it? Neither Pellegrini or Mancini has opted to play him in the middle much. We've seen it a few times, but the fact both have seemed to favour Garcia in the midfield over Milner says a lot about how they rate Milner in the role I'd think.

He can fill in there because he's a Jack of all trades, master of none, but he is not as good a player in the position as people seem to think. Barry and De Jong were both better central midfielders, that's why they played there instead of him - and neither of them were apparently viewed as so vital that we made a great effort to keep them.

Would a defensive midfielder join City knowing that they will be on our bench?

Every club in the world has players on the bench, so why not? Especially as, if we did sign a new midfielder, he'd probably get loads of games as Pellegrini would no longer be terrified of resting either Yaya or Fernandinho like he is now.

Juventus have a midfield of Pirlo, Vidal, Pogba and Marchisio to choose from - three high quality midfield specialists and one of the best young players in the world.

Real Madrid have Alonso, Khedira (though currently injured), Illarramendi and Modric, with Pepe also comfortable there.

Bayern Munich have Schweinsteiger, Martinez, Kroos and Thiago, with Lahm also comfortable there.

We shouldn't compare ourselves to other Premier League clubs, several of whom also lack central midfield depth (although I'd say Arsenal now have greater strength in depth with Ramsey, Wilshere, Arteta and Flamini to choose from - I'd rather have Arteta and Flamini in reserve than Rodwell and Garcia right now), but the best clubs in the world.

If Yaya or Fernandinho break their leg tomorrow, we'll suffer badly - we've seen it already when either have missed games. Against Sunderland we were back to being slow and turgid in midfield with Garcia replacing Fernandinho. That one absence seemed to strip our central midfield of the quality it usually has. Now, maybe Rodwell can step up and fill the void of quality, but it's a risk considering his injury record.

 

[FantasyIreland]

A midfielder is essential business otherwise its a certainty we will struggle to achieve our aims.
A centre half is also needed although we can probably limp our way to the summer provided we have no more lengthy injuries to our first choices.

I'd love Sandro or even Cabaye but Lassana Diarra is also an interesting proposition.

 

[BlueDejong]

If we don't address our midfield in January, I really think it could jeopardise our title hopes. There is no way Yaya/Fernandinho can play every game until the end of the season - also, Fernandinho has been playing in the Ukraine for years and his legs may start to suffer towards the end of the season, because he is playing with great intensity in every game.

Garcia is just mediocre. I think Rodwell has potential, but what's to stop his hamstring going again tomorrow? And Milner isn't a high quality central midfielder I think, that's why Mancini, Pellegrini, Hodgson and Capello have opted not to play him there much. He can fill in but he isn't great in that position even if he did play well for Villa there (lower expectations).

I wonder if the 75% of Barry's wages Everton are paying has made such a big difference off our wage bill that it was worth loaning him out. Barry had his limitations, but as a backup midfielder would have been a great option for us still.

But who sign ?
Mautidi -0%, Pogba -0%, Barkley -0%, and who ?
Matic ? Imbula ? Rakitic? Koke ? Herrera ? who...? I can't found it.

 

[LoveCity]

If we don't address our midfield in January, I really think it could jeopardise our title hopes. There is no way Yaya/Fernandinho can play every game until the end of the season - also, Fernandinho has been playing in the Ukraine for years and his legs may start to suffer towards the end of the season, because he is playing with great intensity in every game.

Garcia is just mediocre. I think Rodwell has potential, but what's to stop his hamstring going again tomorrow? And Milner isn't a high quality central midfielder I think, that's why Mancini, Pellegrini, Hodgson and Capello have opted not to play him there much. He can fill in but he isn't great in that position even if he did play well for Villa there (lower expectations).

I wonder if the 75% of Barry's wages Everton are paying has made such a big difference off our wage bill that it was worth loaning him out. Barry had his limitations, but as a backup midfielder would have been a great option for us still.

But who sign ?
Mautidi -0%, Pogba -0%, Barkley -0%, and who ?
Matic ? Imbula ? Rakitic? Koke ? Herrera ? who...? I can't found it.

There's loads of midfielders out there who would be a step up on Garcia.

You just named some of them, several of those in your second list would be available (especially Matic and Imbula, probably not Koke, Herrera would be but is overpriced).

Also, Matuidi STILL hasn't signed a new PSG deal so until he does the chances are well above 0% and City definitely are monitoring him.

It doesn't even have to be a world class player, but just someone who can step in without the quality dropping too severely. i.e. Fernando from Porto, Nainggolan from Cagliari, Inler from Napoli, Cabaye from Newcastle, Schneiderlin from Southampton.

I mean look at Flamini, he was a free agent, and has been good for Arsenal, because he suits the league quite well. If a scout does his job properly, which Gregucci and Salsano didn't with Garcia, they can find the right man even if it's not the most high profile player in the world.

A shame we couldn't have gone for Strootman in the summer, he is tearing it up for Roma.

Garcia is so unbelievably ill-suited for this league (he'd probably be decent in Serie A) that it wouldn't be hard finding an upgrade. It's like when Veron was over here, except Veron, who also couldn't hack it here, was 5x the player Garcia is.

 

[BlueDejong]

If we don't address our midfield in January, I really think it could jeopardise our title hopes. There is no way Yaya/Fernandinho can play every game until the end of the season - also, Fernandinho has been playing in the Ukraine for years and his legs may start to suffer towards the end of the season, because he is playing with great intensity in every game.

Garcia is just mediocre. I think Rodwell has potential, but what's to stop his hamstring going again tomorrow? And Milner isn't a high quality central midfielder I think, that's why Mancini, Pellegrini, Hodgson and Capello have opted not to play him there much. He can fill in but he isn't great in that position even if he did play well for Villa there (lower expectations).

I wonder if the 75% of Barry's wages Everton are paying has made such a big difference off our wage bill that it was worth loaning him out. Barry had his limitations, but as a backup midfielder would have been a great option for us still.

But who sign ?
Mautidi -0%, Pogba -0%, Barkley -0%, and who ?
Matic ? Imbula ? Rakitic? Koke ? Herrera ? who...? I can't found it.

There's loads of midfielders out there who would be a step up on Garcia.

You just named some of them, several of those in your second list would be available (especially Matic and Imbula, probably not Koke, Herrera would be but is overpriced).

Also, Matuidi STILL hasn't signed a new PSG deal so until he does the chances are well above 0% and City definitely are monitoring him.

It doesn't even have to be a world class player, but just someone who can step in without the quality dropping too severely. i.e. Fernando from Porto, Nainggolan from Cagliari, Inler from Napoli, Cabaye from Newcastle, Schneiderlin from Southampton.

I mean look at Flamini, he was a free agent, and has been good for Arsenal, because he suits the league quite well. If a scout does his job properly, which Gregucci and Salsano didn't with Garcia, they can find the right man even if it's not the most high profile player in the world.

A shame we couldn't have gone for Strootman in the summer, he is tearing it up for Roma.

Garcia is so unbelievably ill-suited for this league (he'd probably be decent in Serie A) that it wouldn't be hard finding an upgrade. It's like when Veron was over here, except Veron, who also couldn't hack it here, was 5x the player Garcia is.

I agree with you. If Matic price is 20m, we should sign him. He will be good harmony with Yaya & Ferna.

 

[FantasyIreland]

Anyone rate Shelvey? I think he has similar ability to Rodwell,maybe that bit more forward thinking and tenacious......and without the injuries.

I really think he's blossoming under Laudrup,and at 21,plenty of improvement time.

 

[blue ranger]

Personally think Cabaye would be a great addition. Good all round game, knows the league too. No brainer for me.

 

[BlueDejong]

Anyone rate Shelvey? I think he has similar ability to Rodwell,maybe that bit more forward thinking and tenacious......and without the injuries.

I really think he's blossoming under Laudrup,and at 21,plenty of improvement time.

Oh...no....