Manchester City will enter today’s derby against Manchester United with their defensive stocks severely depleted. That has been a common theme so far this season. With the January transfer window set to open next month two new reports give the impression that City could be in the market for a left and a right-back. That would be a smart move from the world champions if they do decide to pursue that avenue in a few weeks.
First of all, Pete O’Rourke has reported for Football Insider that Manchester City are looking at Jeremie Frimpong to be the long-term replacement for Kyle Walker. Furthermore, O’Rourke adds that City’s transfer team is assessing their options for potential replacements for their captain. Frimpong is reportedly at the top of the list as per O’Rourke’s report. Lastly, O’Rourke reports that Manchester City are looking at signing two new full-backs next month. That leads into a report from GIVEMESPORT that City have their eyes on a dynamic left-back.
Danny Rust and Dean Jones have reported for GIVEMESPORT that Manchester City have an interest in signing Fulham left-back Antonee Robinson. Furthermore, the GIVEMESPORT report indicates that Fulham have placed a £40 million price tag on the American international.
Adding Frimpong and Robinson would immediately change the make-up of Pep Guardiola’s squad.
Looking at Pep Guardiola’s squad there is a lack of proper full-backs in City’s squad. Kyle Walker is the only recognised full-back in the Manchester City squad. Josko Gvardiol and Nathan Ake are the left-back options in the world champions squad. But they are centre-backs more than proper full-backs. Rico Lewis also plays at right-back but he appears destined to become a midfielder in time.
The reports that suggest that Manchester City have an interest in Frimpong and Robinson do give the impression that a change may be coming to City’s defensive make-up. Both players have pace and are weapons going forward. In the case of Robinson, he is an elite defender. That was on display during Fulham’s 2-all draw with Liverpool yesterday. Frimpong is more of an attacking full-back and would add something different to Manchester City’s squad. But what is becoming apparent is that City have identified the need to sign proper full-backs.
It remains to be seen if moves for Frimpong and Antonee Robinson are something that Manchester City pursue next month. But it does seem that whether it’s next month or next summer the world champions are about to undertake a refit of their defence.
