In the upcoming January transfer window, Manchester City has received instructions to allow two players to depart. Despite a historical tendency to be cautious in the winter market, the club did secure Maximo Perrone from Velez Sarsfield this year, although he subsequently went on loan to Las Palmas.
City’s reluctance to engage extensively in January transfers is attributed to the perceived poor value for money during this period. The last notable midseason addition was Aymeric Laporte in January 2019, who significantly strengthened the team’s defense.
Although the squad is relatively small compared to other Premier League teams, fans have expressed the desire to see two players leave. A poll conducted by MEN Sport revealed that Kalvin Phillips is at the bottom of the list, with only 11.7% of supporters wanting to retain him. The midfielder, who joined from Leeds United last year, has struggled for playing time, especially when Rodri was suspended.
Phillips acknowledges the need for regular playing time to secure his spot in England’s Euro 2024 squad and has hinted at the possibility of leaving for more opportunities. Sergio Gomez is another player on the potential sale list, receiving only 46% support from fans. Despite making positive impressions in brief appearances on the flank, Gomez faces challenges in securing a starting position.
Zack Steffen, City’s reserve goalkeeper, narrowly escaped the sale list with 61.8% support from fans. The overall sentiment reflects the delicate balance between retaining key players and making strategic moves to enhance the squad’s dynamics in the upcoming transfer window. As January approaches, City will need to carefully navigate the transfer market to address the fans’ concerns while maintaining their commitment to prudent business decisions.
