Manchester City hold January transfer window admission over spending expectations – Etihad sponsorship to offset costs | OneFootball

Decision makers within the Etihad Stadium hold an acceptance over the level of spending that would be required in the upcoming January transfer window.

Manchester City are desperate to strengthen their squad following a series of largely underwhelming recruitment processes in previous seasons, leaving themselves extremely short at times of multiple injury problems this campaign.

Those limited numbers and ageing legs in crucial positions for Pep Guardiola has also brought a downturn in performances and results across competitions, leaving the club in a precarious position before the halfway stage of the season.

City find themselves in 22nd position in the UEFA Champions League table with a visit to Paris Saint-Germain and a home clash against Club Brugge remaining as they desperately seek a place in the last-16 of the competition, whilst sitting 5th in the Premier League.

As such, Manchester City are expected to u-turn on their usual stance of being reserved in the January transfer market and release a portion of their cash reserves on new faces to bring into Pep Guardiola’s side.

According to the information of Manchester City insider ‘Tolmie’s Hairdoo’ on X, there is an acceptance within the club that they will have to ‘overpay’ in January, and they would be willing to do so for the right players.

It is further revealed that manager Pep Guardiola has a ‘bigger say’ in the overall matter than at any time previously, with the Catalan coach seemingly desperate to turn around the club’s form and season as a whole.

It is further revealed that some of Manchester City’s ‘next big spending cycle’ will be offset by a ‘substantial increase’ in the sponsorship deal struck between the Premier League champions and Etihad Airways.

Among the names understood to be of interest to Manchester City is Newcastle United’s Bruno Guimaraes, with the Brazil international in-turn expected to be open to the idea of switching to the Etihad Stadium mid-season.

However, it remains unknown just how much the north-east club would demand for the signing of the 27-year-old in the middle of a season, despite their need to sell given PSR concerns and restrictions.

City may also look to strengthen in the striking department having not replaced Julian Alvarez last summer, whilst the defensive ranks may also be addressed should the right profile of player be deemed attainable by the club.