Thanks to the impressive performance of young defender Khusanov in the right-back position, Manchester City has decided to pause its plan to find a new right-back in the transfer market.
In recent key matches against Manchester United, Napoli, and Arsenal, Khusanov replaced Rico Lewis as right-back and demonstrated a convincing competitive standard. If he had not been injured in the match against the Gunners (Arsenal), he would most likely have continued to hold the starting spot in this position. The recent temporary fill-in solution, with Nunes standing in as a makeshift right-back, will also come to an end as Khusanov is expected to return from injury in the coming weeks.
After captain Walker left the club this summer, Manchester City closely monitored right-sided candidates such as Brazilian young talent Wesley, but ultimately took no practical action in the transfer market. Now, a growing consensus has emerged within the club: as long as Khusanov can maintain his impressive form prior to the injury upon his return, the team will completely shelve the plan to sign a new right-back—at the very least, delaying relevant recruitment work until next summer’s transfer window.
Beyond that, Manchester City has not yet identified any priority positions that need strengthening in January. Although there are reports linking the club to signing other midfielders, they also back Nico González. For instance, Newcastle United captain Guimarães has long been a name mentioned in connection with City; however, given that the club prefers to sign younger players, the 27-year-old is regarded as an unlikely target for Manchester City.
Manchester City made several important signings in January 2025, including González and Marmoush, primarily because the team encountered difficulties in the Premier League last season.
In the upcoming winter transfer window, a similar set of circumstances may be required to push the club to make an investment of the same scale.
