Not Zubimendi, Delap, Ricci & not Kimmich – Other 10 players on Man City January transfer radar; their release clauses and current clubs

Manchester City are looking to strengthen their squad for the January 2024 transfer window, targeting a mix of proven talent and emerging stars.

Quote from a Club Source: “We’re always keeping an eye on talent that fits our tactical system and vision for the future. These names have been identified as potential game-changers for our squad.”

Here’s the latest rundown of players on their radar, but keep in mind that players like Samuele Ricci, Joshua Kimmich, Liam Delap, and Martin Zubimendi are still on the radar.

1. Enzo Fernández

• Position: Midfielder
• Age: 26
• Nationality: Argentine
• Current Club: Benfica
• Release Clause: €120 million
• Contract Expiration: 2027
• Man City Replacement Target: Ilkay Gundogan or similar creative midfield roles.

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Career Highlights: Fernández has shone since his pivotal role in Argentina’s 2022 World Cup triumph. Known for his creativity and control in midfield, he could be the perfect addition to Manchester City’s evolving midfield, especially with the potential departure of Ilkay Gundogan.

2. Frenkie de Jong

• Position: Defensive Midfielder
• Age: 26
• Nationality: Dutch
• Current Club: Barcelona
• Contract Expiration: 2026
• Estimated Release Clause: Negotiable
• Man City Replacement Target: Rodri

Career Highlights: De Jong has been pivotal at Barcelona since his €75 million move from Ajax. His tactical fluidity, composure under pressure, and experience make him a perfect fit for Pep Guardiola’s system, particularly as a backup option for Rodri.

3. Douglas Luiz

• Position: Central Midfielder
• Age: 25
• Nationality: Brazilian
• Current Club: Juventus
• Estimated Release Clause: €60 million
• Man City Replacement Target: Rodri

Career Highlights: Luiz brings Premier League experience from his time at Aston Villa. Despite adapting to Serie A, his defensive versatility and mobility make him a strong candidate for Rodri’s role at Manchester City.

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4. Gabri Veiga

• Position: Attacking Midfielder
• Age: 22
• Nationality: Spanish
• Current Club: Al-Ahli
• Estimated Release Clause: €40 million
• Man City Replacement Target: Kevin De Bruyne

Career Highlights: Veiga impressed during his time at Celta Vigo and continues to build momentum in Saudi Arabia with Al-Ahli. His ability to create scoring opportunities and his goal-scoring prowess make him an exciting long-term option for Kevin De Bruyne’s role.

5. Toni Kroos

• Position: Midfielder
• Age: 34
• Nationality: German
• Current Club: Real Madrid
• Contract Expiration: June 2024
• Man City Replacement Target: Experienced midfield leadership

Career Highlights: Kroos is one of Europe’s most reliable midfielders, known for his passing ability, tactical discipline, and winning experience. His connection with Pep Guardiola during their time at Bayern Munich makes a potential reunion likely should he leave Real Madrid.

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6. Florian Wirtz

• Position: Attacking Midfielder
• Age: 21
• Current Club: Bayer Leverkusen

Career Highlights: Wirtz has quickly become one of Europe’s brightest young talents, praised for his dribbling, creativity, and exceptional vision. His ability to break down defenses with his attacking flair makes him an ideal asset for City’s attack.

7. Piero Hincapié

• Position: Central Defender
• Age: 22
• Current Club: Bayer Leverkusen

Career Highlights: Hincapié’s versatility and composed defensive style position him as a strong candidate to strengthen Manchester City’s defensive ranks. His ability to play across different positions adds value to any backline.

8. Benjamin Pavard

• Position: Defender
• Age: 28
• Nationality: French
• Current Club: Inter Milan

Career Highlights: A proven World Cup winner, Pavard combines leadership, reliability, and experience. His tactical adaptability and defensive prowess make him an attractive option to bring stability to Manchester City’s defense.

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9. Jamal Musiala

• Position: Attacking Midfielder
• Age: 21
• Nationality: German
• Current Club: Bayern Munich

Career Highlights: Musiala blends technical brilliance with game-changing moments. His ability to create chances and control high-pressure moments has made him one of Europe’s hottest young prospects, with Manchester City keeping close tabs on him.

10. Warren Zaire-Emery

• Position: Central Midfielder
• Age: 18
• Nationality: French
• Current Club: Paris Saint-Germain

Career Highlights: At just 18 years old, Zaire-Emery has shown remarkable composure and skill in PSG’s midfield. His maturity and impressive performances position him as a potential future star for Manchester City’s midfield engine.

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Know this: These 10 names represent Manchester City’s strategic transfer targets as they aim to address both immediate gaps and long-term needs for midfield reinforcements, defensive stability, and potential attacking upgrades ahead of the January window.

Quotes about some of players on the rather: 

“Enzo Fernández is a proven winner with the kind of creative ability that could fill the void left by Ilkay Gundogan.”

“Frenkie de Jong has always fit Pep Guardiola’s tactical system—he’s an ideal option for a defensive midfield role.”

“Warren Zaire-Emery might be young, but his performances show he could evolve into a Manchester City mainstay with time.”

Sources & citations: Reports from Sky Sports, AS, and multiple European football outlets have linked these players to Manchester City as the club plans for the next phase of their title-winning ambitions.

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