Pep Guardiola has said January signings are ‘not easy’ for Manchester City and cast doubt on potential arrivals at the Etihad.
Manchester City have been linked with entering the market for reinforcements after a difficult start to the campaign. The Premier League champions are sixth and 14 points adrift in the title race.
“The target for Rodri is the end of the season” ⏳
Pep Guardiola shares an injury update on Manchester City’s squad, including Rodri and Ruben Dias 🏥 pic.twitter.com/zgdU4IiJA6
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) January 3, 2025
Rodri’s season-ending injury has left the Citizens short in midfield, while several injuries in defence have decimated the club’s campaign. Guardiola said last month that a defensive midfielder and centre-back could be sought in January, but has now cast doubt on potential deals.
City have been linked with Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi and RC Lens centre-back Abdukodir Khusanov in recent days. However, Guardiola said securing signings in the winter window ‘will not be easy’.
“I don’t know right now. It is not easy and will not be easy,” Guardiola said at his pre-match press conference ahead of facing West Ham this weekend.
“Maybe we will sign or maybe we won’t sign anyone.
“The club has to be wise. To add players in the situation that we are in when there are many consistent injured players then the club has to do it, but I don’t know if it will be possible to do it.”
On Rodri, who sustained an ACL injury in September, Guardiola said the target was for the Ballon d’Or winner to return ‘next season’.
“Before the end of the season would be good but the target is for him to recover well and be ready for next season. That is our target.”
