Is it almost common knowledge now that Manchester City will begin the rebuild of their all-conquering summer next summer? They may also look to kickstart that next month when the January transfer window opens. Manchester City’s midfield looks to be the most pressing need for the world champions address which seems to be every chance of happening next month.
Perhaps next summer is when the champions will look to refresh their defence. With that in mind could they look to target English defenders? The idea has merit, especially based on the quality of two defenders named as potential Manchester City targets.
A report from the Telegraph from James Ducker, Jason Burt and Mike McGrath has named Jarrad Branthwaite and Marc Guehi as potential transfer targets for the world champions. The Everton and Crystal Palace defenders are both fine players and are Premier League-proven. Either player would also be a quality addition to City’s defence.
It is clear that Manchester City do need to rebuild their defence next summer. Nathan Ake, John Stones, Manuel Akanji and Kyle Walker have all had their issues this season. Injuries have hit Ake, Stones and Akanji hard this season. Walker has had his own injury and form issues to contend with. Adding a player like Branthwaite or Guehi would add quality to City’s defence. They would also help drop the age of Manchester City’s ageing defence. So there is merit to targeting both players for the world champions.
Whether or not they are realistic targets remains to be seen. To add one of those players we may see one of City’s defenders depart next summer. Who that would be remains to be seen. But a refresh of City’s defence is coming and it appears that they could be targeting English players to help rejuvenate that area of the pitch.
