Manchester City faced a setback as the January transfer window opened, but they are showing signs of improvement in 2024, with Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland returning to training.
Pep Guardiola has grappled with injuries among his limited squad. De Bruyne’s last appearance was in the early moments of the season, while Haaland hasn’t played in nearly a month. Jeremy Doku is also sidelined, and John Stones, after missing the initial two months due to injury, is now facing another setback.
Despite these challenges, City’s current points tally matches that of the previous season, an achievement that may be overlooked due to their circumstances. Their strength is expected to soar once De Bruyne and Haaland return this month.
However, January might not be without its issues. While acquiring more key players might be less crucial for Guardiola, an outgoing transfer is probable. Kalvin Phillips is seemingly not fitting in at the Etihad and has only featured in two less crucial games this season. His omission from three matches when Rodri was unavailable hints at an impending departure. Newcastle and Juventus are eyeing a loan move for Phillips.
City might struggle to find a like-for-like replacement for the England international but are set to secure Claudio Echeverri from River Plate for £21.7 million. Echeverri, a standout player for Argentina’s U-17 World Cup team, will spend another year on loan at River Plate before moving to City.
The deal mirrors Julian Alvarez’s transfer to City in January 2022, signifying a positive relationship between the two clubs. Although Echeverri played only six times for River Plate in 2023, his remarkable performance in the U-17 World Cup attracted attention from Barcelona before opting for City.
Guardiola prefers working with a compact team, and with returning players, there might not be a pressing need for further acquisitions. The return of De Bruyne could feel like a new signing, potentially providing the necessary boost for City in January.
