Man City transfer latest: One signing close, two departures expected & January strategy explained

Manchester City face a quiet January on the pitch with just three confirmed fixtures in the opening month of 2024.

A fourth game will be added if they can navigate past Huddersfield Town on Sunday in the FA Cup, with fourth-round games set to take place in the penultimate weekend of January. 

Regardless, it’s still a slow start to the year for City and with few fixtures, fans’ attention will obviously pivot to transfer activity. But City supporters should expect an equally quiet window, explains our reporter Michael Plant…

What is Man City’s transfer approach?

Pep Guardiola’s side are English, European and world champions; this isn’t a squad that needs major work. The City boss also likes to work with a smaller group and would be opposed to wholesale additions.

That said, like all Premier League sides, if a good deal presents itself then City could make moves in the market. They also have the funds available to complete transfers should they wish, a luxury not afforded to several of their competitors. But, for now, City aren’t expected to make any significant additions this window.

Could anything impact Man City’s plans?

Injuries are the only real concern, but again, that’s like every Premier League side. John Stones, Jeremy Doku and Erling Haaland were the only players missing for the last game - a 2-0 win over Sheffield United - and all three are expected back this month, so City don’t have any long-term injury worries.

Kevin De Bruyne was also named on the bench in the victory over the Blades, the first time he’s made a matchday squad since the opening weekend of the season. The Belgian’s return will be a huge boost for Guardiola in the second half of the season, especially with City not at their fluent best in the attacking areas over recent weeks.

Who could Man City sign?

The Blues are close to wrapping up the signing of youngster Claudio Echeverri from River Plate. A deal for the 18-year-old Argentinian could be announced soon, with City expected to pay an initial fee of €14m (£12m), plus add-ons.

ManchesterWorld understands Echeverri will return to River Plate on loan, the same policy City deployed with Julian Alvarez two years ago. This will also mark the third year in a row that City have signed a young Argentinian in January, with Maximo Perrone arriving last year from Velez.

At this stage, City look unlikely to do any more business. There was interest in Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze over the summer, but City opted instead to sign Matheus Nunes and won’t pursue that option in January.

Which players could leave Man City?

Kalvin Phillips is the big name expected to depart in the mid-season window. The midfielder has struggled for game time since his £42m switch to the Etihad 18 months ago and has started just two league games.

The England international will almost certainly move on this month, with a loan deal most likely. Juventus and Newcastle United offer the most realistic transfer options for the 28-year-old, although Palace and Paris Saint-Germain have been credited with interest.

Elsewhere, City stopper Zack Steffen is close to departing in a permanent transfer to former side Colorado Rapids. The goalkeeper, who hasn’t played for City in nearly two years, is currently out with a knee injury.