Manchester City’s 2024-25 campaign has been one of the most challenging periods in Pep Guardiola’s illustrious managerial career. For the first time since 2017, the Sky Blues have ended a season without lifting a single trophy, marking a dramatic fall from grace for a club that has dominated English football for the better part of a decade. This unprecedented drought has forced the club to reassess their approach, leading to significant changes both in terms of personnel and strategy.
The season’s struggles have highlighted several critical areas that require immediate attention, from an aging squad that has lost its cutting edge to tactical systems that opponents have learned to neutralize. However, amidst the disappointment, there have been glimpses of hope, particularly in the form of strategic January signings that may have saved the club millions while addressing some of their most pressing needs.
Manchester City has historically been reluctant to conduct significant business during the January transfer window, preferring to complete their squad building during the summer months. The club’s approach has typically been methodical and long-term focused, with Aymeric Laporte’s signing being one of the rare exceptions to this rule. However, the dire circumstances of the 2024-25 season forced Guardiola and the club hierarchy to abandon this conservative approach.
Recognizing that their campaign was in jeopardy and Champions League qualification was under threat, City embarked on an unprecedented January spending spree. The urgency of their situation demanded immediate action, and the club responded by bringing in fresh faces who could make an instant impact.
The January transfer window saw City add four significant players to their roster: Omar Marmoush, Abdukodir Khusanov, Vitor Reis, and Nico Gonzalez. Each signing represented a different aspect of the club’s strategic thinking, from immediate impact players to long-term investments.
Vitor Reis, despite his limited game time with just two starts since his arrival, represents the club’s commitment to youth development and future planning. His integration has been gradual, which is typical for young players adapting to the intensity and tactical complexity of the Premier League. While it’s premature to judge his impact, his signing demonstrates City’s continued focus on securing the best young talent available.
Khusanov and Gonzalez have both contributed to varying degrees, providing squad depth and tactical flexibility that Guardiola values highly. Their presence has allowed the manager to rotate his squad more effectively and experiment with different formations and approaches during a challenging period.
Of all the January acquisitions, Omar Marmoush has undoubtedly been the most successful and impactful. The Egyptian forward’s £59 million price tag initially raised eyebrows, but his performances since joining City have vindicated the club’s investment decision. In hindsight, this fee appears to be something of a bargain, especially considering the premium prices commanded by proven Premier League performers in today’s inflated market.
Marmoush’s impact has been immediate and measurable. With seven Premier League goals since his January arrival, he has outscored every other City player during the same period, highlighting both his individual quality and the team’s previous struggles in front of goal. This statistic alone justifies the club’s decision to prioritize his signing during a crucial period of the season.
The Arsenal and Manchester United Factor
The timing of Marmoush’s signing becomes even more significant when considering the interest from other top Premier League clubs. Both Arsenal and Manchester United have been desperately seeking attacking reinforcements, and Marmoush represents exactly the type of player both clubs need to address their goal-scoring concerns.
Arsenal’s attacking output has been heavily reliant on Kai Havertz (nine goals) and Gabriel Martinelli (eight goals), with few other players contributing consistently in front of goal. Marmoush’s seven goals in a partial season demonstrate the kind of impact he could have made at the Emirates Stadium. Similarly, Manchester United’s top scorer, Amad Diallo, has managed just eight goals, highlighting their need for additional firepower.
By securing Marmoush in January, City not only improved their own squad but also prevented their rivals from addressing a critical weakness. This dual benefit makes the signing even more valuable from a strategic perspective.
Tactical Versatility and System Integration
What makes Marmoush particularly valuable is his ability to play across all four attacking positions in Guardiola’s system. This versatility is crucial in the Spanish manager’s tactical setup, where players are expected to interchange positions fluidly and adapt to different phases of play. Marmoush’s background at Eintracht Frankfurt, where he registered an impressive 20 goals and 14 assists across all competitions, demonstrated his ability to contribute both as a goalscorer and creator.
Cafu’s description of Marmoush as a “top player” carries significant weight, given the Brazilian legend’s experience and eye for talent. This endorsement, combined with Marmoush’s performances, suggests that City have acquired a player who can contribute significantly for years to come.
The Txiki Begiristain Factor
The story behind Marmoush’s signing reveals the importance of Manchester City’s recruitment network and the expertise of sporting director Txiki Begiristain. Guardiola’s revelation that it was Begiristain who initially suggested the Egyptian forward demonstrates the collaborative approach that has been central to City’s success over the years.
Begiristain’s suggestion prompted Guardiola to conduct his own research, reaching out to contacts in Germany who provided overwhelmingly positive feedback about Marmoush’s character, training attitude, and technical ability. This thorough due diligence process exemplifies the professional approach that has made City’s recruitment so successful.
The German connections praised not only Marmoush’s statistical output but also his behavioral standards and work ethic in training sessions. These intangible qualities are often as important as technical ability in Guardiola’s system, where players must demonstrate intelligence, dedication, and adaptability to succeed.
Squad Stability and Future Planning
Ilkay Gundogan’s Continued Role
Amidst speculation about departures and new arrivals, Ilkay Gundogan’s decision to remain at Manchester City provides an element of continuity and experience. The German midfielder’s contract extension, while automatic, represents a vote of confidence in both directions. Gundogan’s commitment to staying demonstrates his belief in the club’s project, while City’s retention of his services shows they value his leadership and experience.
Gundogan’s mixed season has been emblematic of City’s broader struggles, but his improved performances in the second half of the campaign, particularly in the crucial 2-0 victory over Fulham, suggest he still has much to offer. His presence will be crucial as the club looks to integrate new players and rebuild their winning mentality.
The veteran midfielder’s championship warning to Liverpool and other rivals demonstrates the ambition that still burns within the squad. His guarantee that City will be competitive for the Premier League title next season might seem bold given their recent struggles, but it reflects the standards and expectations that have been central to the club’s success.
The Broader Rebuild Challenge
Gundogan’s comments about taking the final two months of the season as the standard moving forward highlight the scale of the challenge facing Guardiola and his coaching staff. The consistency shown during this period needs to be extended across an entire campaign, which will require not just tactical adjustments but also psychological resilience and physical preparation.
The integration of new signings like Marmoush will be crucial to this process. Their fresh energy and hunger can help reinvigorate a squad that may have become complacent after years of success. The challenge will be maintaining the core principles that made City successful while adapting to new dynamics and personalities within the group.
The Uncertain Futures: Players in Limbo
Matheus Nunes: From Criticism to Uncertainty
Matheus Nunes’ journey at Manchester City perfectly encapsulates the unpredictable nature of football careers. After arriving for £54 million with high expectations, the Portuguese midfielder faced public criticism from Guardiola, who questioned his tactical intelligence and suitability for central midfield roles.
Guardiola’s frank assessment that Nunes was “not clever enough” to play in midfield appeared to signal the end of his City career. However, circumstances and Guardiola’s tactical flexibility provided Nunes with an unexpected lifeline. Kyle Walker’s departure to AC Milan created an emergency at right-back, and Guardiola’s decision to convert Nunes into a makeshift defender proved inspired.
Nunes’ adaptation to the right-back role has been one of the season’s most interesting tactical developments. His physicality and pace have proven well-suited to the position, while his defensive awareness has improved significantly under Guardiola’s guidance. The manager’s praise for Nunes’ attention to detail, particularly in defending crosses and maintaining positional discipline, suggests a genuine transformation in the player’s understanding of the game.
Despite this redemption arc, Nunes’ future remains uncertain. The Daily Mail’s report about his unclear status highlights the precarious nature of his position. While he has proven his versatility and commitment, the question remains whether City see him as a long-term solution or merely a temporary fix.
The Departure List: A Summer of Change
The potential departure of seven key players represents one of the most significant squad overhauls in recent Manchester City history. The list of possible exits reads like a who’s who of the club’s recent success: Kevin De Bruyne, Kyle Walker, John Stones, Ederson, Bernardo Silva, Jack Grealish, and Kalvin Phillips, alongside Nunes.
Kevin De Bruyne’s expected move to Napoli will mark the end of an era. The Belgian midfielder has been the creative heartbeat of City’s success, and his departure will leave a void that will be difficult to fill. His revelation about his best partnership being with Raheem Sterling provides insight into the type of player City might target as his replacement – someone with intelligent movement and a willingness to make runs that create space and opportunities.
Kyle Walker’s loan move to AC Milan has already begun the transition, with Nunes’ conversion to right-back serving as a temporary solution. However, City will need a permanent fix for this position, with reports suggesting they have identified a £32 million replacement.
The potential departures of John Stones and Ederson would address two more crucial positions, while Bernardo Silva’s possible exit would remove another creative force from the midfield. Each departure represents both a challenge and an opportunity – a chance to refresh the squad while maintaining the quality and standards that have defined City’s recent success.
Jack Grealish: A £100 Million Question Mark
Jack Grealish’s situation exemplifies the ruthless decision-making that elite football demands. Despite his £100 million price tag and undeniable talent, his exclusion from recent squads suggests Guardiola may be ready to move on. The winger’s struggle to consistently influence games in the way Guardiola demands has led to speculation about his future.
Grealish’s comments about other Premier League managers could provide clues about his next destination. His previous praise for certain managers might influence his decision-making process if he does leave City. The challenge for any potential buyer will be unlocking the form that made Grealish such an attractive proposition initially.
Strategic Implications and Market Dynamics
The Premium of Premier League Proven Players
Marmoush’s success highlights an important aspect of modern transfer strategy – the value of signing players before they establish themselves in the Premier League. By acquiring the Egyptian from the Bundesliga, City secured his services at a price that would likely have doubled had he spent a successful season with an English club first.
This approach requires sophisticated scouting networks and the confidence to make decisions based on potential rather than proven Premier League pedigree. The success of this strategy with Marmoush may encourage City to continue mining European leagues for talent that can be developed and integrated into Guardiola’s system.
Competition for Resources
The interest from Arsenal and Manchester United in players like Marmoush demonstrates the competitive nature of the modern transfer market. Top clubs are increasingly competing for the same profiles, driving up prices and making early identification and decisive action crucial.
City’s ability to move quickly and decisively in January, despite their traditionally conservative approach to winter transfers, shows the importance of adaptability in modern football management. The club’s willingness to break with tradition when circumstances demanded it may have saved them from a disastrous season and set them up for future success.
Looking Forward: Challenges and Opportunities
The Integration Challenge
The success of City’s rebuild will largely depend on how effectively they integrate new signings with existing players. Marmoush’s smooth adaptation provides a template, but each player brings different challenges and requirements. The club’s coaching staff will need to maintain their reputation for developing players while managing the expectations that come with significant investment.
The departure of experienced players like De Bruyne will place additional pressure on newcomers to perform immediately. This balance between youth and experience, between continuity and change, will be crucial to City’s prospects for the coming seasons.
Financial Considerations
The potential sale of seven players represents a significant opportunity for City to balance their books while funding new acquisitions. Players like Grealish, Stones, and Silva could command substantial fees, providing the resources needed to complete the squad overhaul.
However, the club must also consider the value lost through these departures. Replacing the combined experience, leadership, and technical ability of these players will require careful planning and probably significant investment.
Conclusion: A Pivotal Moment
Manchester City’s January transfer activity, spearheaded by the acquisition of Omar Marmoush, represents more than just squad strengthening – it signals a fundamental shift in the club’s approach to team building. The willingness to act decisively during a crisis, breaking with established patterns and traditions, demonstrates the adaptability that has been central to their success under Guardiola.
Marmoush’s impact has been immediate and significant, justifying both the fee paid and the strategy employed. His seven goals since joining have not only contributed to City’s Champions League qualification but also provided a template for future recruitment. The fact that Arsenal and Manchester United desperately need exactly the type of player City secured emphasizes the strategic value of the signing.
The broader squad overhaul facing City represents both the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter. The potential departure of iconic players like De Bruyne, combined with the integration of new talent like Marmoush, will test Guardiola’s management skills and the club’s institutional wisdom.
However, the early signs are encouraging. Marmoush’s seamless integration, Nunes’ tactical adaptation, and Gundogan’s renewed commitment all suggest that City retain the qualities that have made them successful. The challenge now is to channel these positives into sustained success while managing the inevitable growing pains that come with significant change.
The 2025-26 season will be crucial in determining whether City’s strategic gamble pays off. If players like Marmoush continue to develop and the new signings gel effectively with the retained core, City could return to their dominant form more quickly than many expect. The foundation has been laid; now comes the test of building upon it to restore the club to its rightful place at the top of English and European football.
