Manchester City is preparing to pivot from their initial stance regarding their squad depth as the January transfer window looms closer, with club insiders indicating a renewed interest in signing an understudy for their star striker Erling Haaland. Despite previously deciding against securing a direct replacement for Julian Alvarez following his high-profile move to Atletico Madrid, manager Pep Guardiola and the club’s management are now reconsidering, according to GIVEMESPORT sources.
Earlier this year, City’s transfer activity was relatively restrained, with only two notable signings making their way to the Etihad. Ilkay Gundogan returned to the Premier League champions from Barcelona, signing a lucrative one-year contract reportedly worth £230,000 per week. Meanwhile, promising forward Savinho arrived in a £30 million deal after playing a key role in Girona’s surprise qualification for the Champions League. However, as City seeks to remain dominant both domestically and in Europe, Guardiola is now eyeing potential reinforcements to support Haaland’s attacking efforts.
The sudden shift in City’s transfer plans stems from growing concerns within the club regarding their offensive depth. With Alvarez gone and no direct replacement brought in over the summer, Haaland has shouldered the attacking burden almost single-handedly. The Norwegian superstar has been in scintillating form, scoring 14 goals in 15 appearances across all competitions this season. Yet, Guardiola and the City hierarchy are acutely aware of the risks posed by their lack of depth. If Haaland were to suffer an injury or experience a dip in form, the Sky Blues’ attack could falter without adequate backup.
Sources have revealed that while Guardiola publicly downplays the urgency of signing a new striker in January, he is privately assessing the market for a player who can provide fresh attacking impetus. The club remains clear in its intentions, however; they are not seeking a marquee signing who would challenge Haaland’s place as the focal point of their attack. Instead, the goal is to find a capable and reliable understudy who can step in when needed and bolster the squad’s firepower without disrupting its balance.
City’s director of football, Txiki Begiristain, will play a key role in navigating these transfer negotiations during his final months with the club before he is set to be replaced by Sporting’s Hugo Viana. Begiristain’s extensive experience will be crucial as City attempts to strike a delicate balance between strengthening their squad and maintaining team cohesion. Guardiola is reportedly adamant that any new striker must be content with a supporting role behind Haaland and must possess the ability to make a tangible impact when called upon.
This development comes against the backdrop of City’s already impressive attacking statistics. With 21 goals scored in the Premier League this season, they are currently the second-most prolific side in the division. However, Guardiola remains cautious. The decision not to pursue a new striker over the summer was just one of several bold calls he made during that period. In addition to focusing on Savinho and Gundogan’s arrivals, Guardiola opted against reinforcing his defensive midfield and wide attacking positions due to a lack of ideal candidates. Kalvin Phillips’ departure on a season-long loan to Ipswich Town further accentuated City’s need for midfield reinforcements, but no additional signings were made.
Looking ahead to January, City’s potential forays into the transfer market could signal their intention to shore up their title defense and Champions League ambitions. Guardiola’s track record suggests that any acquisitions will be carefully selected, with an emphasis on quality over quantity. The task for Begiristain and the incoming Viana will be to find a player who fits the club’s demanding criteria—someone who can seamlessly integrate into Guardiola’s tactical setup while providing reliable cover for Haaland.
City’s evolving approach demonstrates their willingness to adapt in pursuit of continued success. While the prospect of new signings may excite fans, it also underscores Guardiola’s meticulous planning and desire to leave no stone unturned as he seeks to keep Manchester City at the pinnacle of world football. Whether a new striker arrives in January or not, City’s ambitions remain clear: to stay ahead of the competition and continue adding silverware to their already impressive trophy cabinet.