Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola demands for Real Madrid and Barcelona target in January: Reports
According to a report by Fichajes.net, Manchester City are interested in signing Joshua Kimmich in the upcoming January transfer window. They are looking to fill the void quickly that was created in midfield by Rodri's long-term injury.
Guardiola believes that Kimmich would be able to provide the much-needed balance in midfield as City has struggled in recent months. Manchester City have won just one out of their last 10 games across all competitions.
Hence, City's hierarchy are looking to utilize the upcoming January transfer window to enhance the depth of the squad.
Kimmich, who is one of City's targets, is primarily a defensive midfielder but could also feature at right-back and the central midfield position.
Kimmich's versatility could stand to be beneficial for Guardiola if signed. This season, the German international has proven to be a creative midfielder in Bayern Munich's midfield. In his 24 appearances across all competitions this season, he has scored one goal and registered six assists.
Kimmich’s contract with Bayern is set to expire at the end of the 2024-25 season. Hence, if he doesn't sign an extension before January, Bayern might be tempted to sell him rather than lose him for free in the summer. City will face competition from Barcelona and Real Madrid as both clubs are interested in signing Kimmich.
I know we will be back, says Manchester City's manager Pep Guardiola
Pep Guardiola has claimed that Manchester City will be back. This comes after City have won one, drawn two, and lost eight out of their last 11 games across all competitions.
Speaking in a press conference ahead of the upcoming clash against Aston Villa, Guardiola said (via Fabrizio Romano):
"I know we will be back. What I want is my players back, to have the squad.”
He added:
"The squad is really good, the problem is we didn't have it! The problem is not that they are good or bad players, it's not about that, it's we didn't have them.”
While City's recent struggle could be tied to the number of injured players in their squad, Guardiola believes his team will bounce back.
City have registered 27 points from 16 league games this season and are ranked fifth in the standings. They will take on Aston Villa in their next Premier League clash today (December 21).
Disclaimer: The above stats were gotten from Transfermarkt on December 21 2024 at 09:57 AM WAT. They are subject to change based on the platform's discretion.