Man City analysis: Pep Guardiola splashes the cash on Omar Marmoush as City win the January transfer window
Manchester City have had an out-of-sorts campaign this season, with Pep Guardiola’s side just edging into the Champions League play-off round and sitting fifth in the Premier League.
The Cityzens needed to act in January - and act they did.
Guardiola spent a whopping £180million to reinforce his squad last month, making City the biggest January spenders from the Premier League.
Transfer News Blitz Content Editor Edward Moss has reviewed Man City’s winter transfer business.
Omar Marmoush, joined from Eintracht Frankfurt
Easily City’s marquee signing of the window, Omar Marmoush made the move to Manchester for £60million from Bundesliga club Eintracht Frankfurt.
The 26-year-old enjoyed a monstrous start to the season with the German side, tallying 34 goal contributions in 26 matches.
Of course, the Egyptian’s incredible form caught the light blue eyes of Manchester City, who went all out to get their man.
So far, the forward has made three appearances for the reigning Premier League champions - and whilst he has not scored or assisted yet, there are certainly promising signs.
It may take some time for Marmoush to get up to speed at the Etihad Stadium, but in the long run, City could have bagged themselves a bargain.
Abdukodir Khusanov, joined from RC Lens
With Man City making an uncharacteristically large amount of defensive errors this season, Uzbekistan international Abdukodir Khusanov was brought in from Ligue 1 side RC Lens for £33.5million.
The central defender endured a tough start to life in Manchester, being hooked off on his debut versus Chelsea after just 54 minutes.
Against Leyton Orient in the FA Cup, the 20-year-old came off the bench to score - albeit a deflected goal - but put in a very solid performance.
It would be harsh to judge Khusanov now, especially after being thrown into the deep end almost instantly.
The jury is still very much out for the young defender, who will be hoping to establish himself as a regular starter at the Etihad.
Vitor Reis, joined from Palmeiras
Seemingly not content with one new centre-back, Vitor Reis completed a move to the Cityzens the day after Khusanov.
The 19-year-old broke into the Palmeiras first team during the 2024 season, appearing 22 times for the Brazilian side and scoring two goals.
City were certainly impressed and shelled out £30million to land the Brazilian defender.
In the Premier League, Reis has been an unused substitute twice since joining the Manchester club, however, did start in City’s 2-1 FA Cup victory over Leyton Orient.
The youngster clearly shows a huge amount of promise, and it will be interesting to see where he fits into Guardiola’s team.
Nico González, joined from FC Porto
Manchester City left it late to bring in Nico González, but did so on deadline day for a fee of £50million from Portuguese outfit FC Porto.
The Spanish midfielder had an impressive first half of the season in Portugal, pitching in 12 goal contributions in all competitions.
However, the 23-year-old got off to the worst possible start at his new club after he was forced off the pitch due to an injury on his debut - also against Leyton Orient.
In some good news for Man City, it appears as though the Spaniard’s injury is not serious, and González is expected to return to the City squad for their Champions League clash against Real Madrid in midweek.
Notable mentions
Guardiola’s signings did not stop there.
American left-back Christian McFarlane joined Man City from New York City FC - who are part of the City Group formed by the Manchester club’s owners.
The 18-year-old seems to have joined up with the U21s after being an unused substitute in the Cityzen’s 3-1 win over Blackburn Rovers’ U21 side.
Juma Bah also joined the club, however, in more controversial circumstances.
As per the Mail Online, the Sierra Leonean paid the £5.1million minimum release fee clause to terminate his youth contract with Real Valladolid to complete his move to England.
The LaLiga club have also claimed that the Premier League champions had “supported and guided” the 18-year-old in forcing the transfer - allegations that City deny.
The centre-back has subsequently been sent on loan to French outfit RC Lens.
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