After another disappointing result in the defeat to Wolves, Pep Guardiola once again doubled down on what he’s said all season: there will be no signings in January.
Manchester City have a clear, present, and obvious need: central defense. After failing to replace departing captain Vincent Kompany in the summer, losing Aymeric Laporte to a long-term injury early in the season set the table for the worst start to a league campaign City have had under Pep Guardiola.
Running out Nicolás Otamendi and playing natural midfielder Fernandinho at center-back simply has not cut it. Youngster Eric García has impressed in limited opportunities, but has not been given enough of a chance. Through it all, however, Guardiola appears to be covering for something greater happening behind the scenes by continuously ruling out any signings in the upcoming January transfer window.
Guardiola’s future has come into doubt for much of the season, and after the departure of top assistant Mikel Arteta, the club’s next step remains in question. Although it could easily just be mind games, it is obvious to fans and those at the club alike that as currently constructed, this team simply cannot compete with Liverpool. Even if Laporte returns to fitness, whoever partners him is not at a Champions League-winning level.
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A signing such as Kalidou Koulibaly would make a true statement of intent: Guardiola’s future is in Manchester and the club is committed to winning no matter the cost. Whether it be Financial Fair Play or some other concern, something bigger is happening within the club that Guardiola is trying to mask.
The club’s hierarchy could be planning a big summer, but equally, the pressure to focus on and win the Champions League exists now. With retaining the Premier League title once again is out of the question, this entire season rides on European football, and it will be such a difficult ask to win the biggest prize in club football if Laporte cannot be partnered with a fellow world class defender.
Although the Blues have spent at the back, other than Laporte, big-money signings such as John Stones and Ben Mendy have not lived up to their pricetag, and therefore bringing in a proven, experienced defender is crucial if this team wants to catch Liverpool. Here’s to hoping that the refusal to make signings is nothing more than a smokescreen, and that something big is coming to Manchester in the near future.