Man City aiming to complete insane double transfer that would give them the best squad in football, they’d win the lot

Manchester City finds itself at a crossroads in what has been an unexpectedly challenging season for the Premier League giants. After years of dominance under Pep Guardiola’s tactical genius, the Citizens are experiencing a period of transition that has exposed certain vulnerabilities in their squad. The January transfer window presents an opportunity for strategic reinforcement, with the club reportedly targeting two key positions that could transform their fortunes for the remainder of the campaign.

The current season has been marked by inconsistency and defensive frailties that have seen City slip to sixth place in the Premier League table—a position that would have been unthinkable just a year ago. This decline has prompted urgent action from the club’s hierarchy, with two specific targets emerging as potential solutions to their most pressing concerns: Lens defender Abdukodir Khusanov and Eintracht Frankfurt striker Omar Marmoush.

At just 20 years old, Abdukodir Khusanov represents the type of young, dynamic defender that Manchester City has traditionally excelled at developing. The Uzbekistan international has caught the attention of multiple Premier League clubs, with City, Tottenham Hotspur, and Newcastle United all reportedly monitoring his progress at RC Lens. His emergence as a transfer target speaks to both his immediate potential and long-term prospects in European football.

Khusanov’s journey to prominence began in his homeland before taking him through Belarus, where he honed his skills with Energetik-BGU. During his time in the Belarusian Premier League, he made 37 appearances and contributed four goals—an impressive tally for a defender that highlighted his ability to contribute at both ends of the pitch. This goal-scoring threat from defensive positions aligns perfectly with Guardiola’s tactical philosophy, which often requires defenders to contribute to the attacking phase of play.

Since joining RC Lens in 2023, Khusanov has established himself as a cornerstone of their defensive setup. His rapid adaptation to French football demonstrates the kind of tactical intelligence and physical attributes that make him an attractive proposition for Premier League clubs. In Ligue 1, he has faced some of Europe’s most talented attackers, providing him with valuable experience that would serve him well in England’s top flight.

The defender’s contract situation at Lens, which runs until 2027, places the French club in a strong negotiating position. With no immediate pressure to sell, Lens can afford to wait for the right offer, reportedly valued in excess of €40 million (£33 million). This substantial fee reflects both Khusanov’s current ability and his potential for further development under the right coaching structure.

Manchester City’s defensive struggles this season have been well-documented, with the team conceding goals at a rate that would have been unthinkable during their peak years. The aging of key defensive personnel, combined with injury concerns, has created gaps that Khusanov could potentially fill. His youth and athleticism would provide the energy and pace that City’s defensive line has sometimes lacked this season.

Guardiola’s system demands defenders who are comfortable in possession, capable of playing out from the back, and intelligent enough to contribute to the team’s attacking phases. Khusanov’s profile suggests he possesses these qualities, making him an ideal candidate for integration into City’s tactical framework. The competition from Tottenham and Newcastle indicates that Premier League clubs recognize his potential, but City’s superior resources and track record of developing young talent give them a significant advantage in any potential bidding war.

While defensive reinforcement addresses one area of concern, Manchester City’s attacking inconsistencies have also been a source of frustration this season. Enter Omar Marmoush, the 25-year-old Egyptian striker who has been lighting up the Bundesliga with Eintracht Frankfurt. His impressive goal-scoring record—13 goals in just 15 league appearances—has caught the attention of City’s recruitment team, who reportedly value him at around £50 million.

Marmoush’s emergence as a genuine goal threat in one of Europe’s most competitive leagues demonstrates his ability to perform at the highest level. The Bundesliga’s physical and tactical demands provide an excellent testing ground for players looking to make the step up to the Premier League, and Marmoush’s success in Germany suggests he could adapt well to English football’s unique challenges.

What makes Marmoush particularly attractive to Manchester City is his versatility and work rate. Modern football demands forwards who can contribute beyond just goal-scoring, and Marmoush’s ability to link play, create chances for teammates, and press from the front aligns perfectly with Guardiola’s tactical requirements. His 13 goals in 15 appearances represent just one facet of his contribution to Eintracht Frankfurt’s success this season.

The striker’s age profile also fits City’s strategic planning. At 25, he offers the perfect balance of immediate impact and long-term value. Unlike some of the aging stars in City’s current squad, Marmoush represents a player entering his prime years, capable of providing consistent performance over multiple seasons.

Manchester City’s attacking play has lacked the fluidity and creativity that characterized their most successful periods. The departure of key attacking players and the aging of others has created a need for fresh blood and new ideas in the final third. Marmoush’s pace, movement, and finishing ability could provide the spark that City’s attack has been missing.

His experience in European competition with Frankfurt also adds to his appeal. The Champions League and Europa League campaigns have provided him with exposure to different tactical approaches and high-pressure situations, experience that would prove invaluable in City’s quest to return to the pinnacle of English and European football

Pep Guardiola’s recent comments about the January transfer window reveal a manager who understands the complexities of mid-season recruitment. His statement that “it’s not easy” and that the club “has to be wise” reflects the strategic thinking that has underpinned City’s most successful transfer windows. The emphasis on not making signings “just to do it” suggests a methodical approach to addressing the team’s current challenges.

This careful consideration is particularly important given City’s recent struggles. The temptation to make panic purchases in response to poor results must be balanced against the need for players who genuinely improve the squad and fit into the existing tactical framework. Both Khusanov and Marmoush appear to meet these criteria, suggesting that City’s recruitment team has identified targets that align with both immediate needs and long-term planning.

Guardiola’s reference to “consistent injuries many times” highlights one of the key factors driving City’s transfer activity. The cumulative effect of injuries to key players has exposed the squad’s lack of depth in certain positions. New signings would not only provide immediate reinforcement but also create the kind of healthy competition that has historically driven City’s players to higher levels of performance.

The January window presents unique challenges, with players needing to adapt quickly to new tactical systems and team dynamics. However, both Khusanov and Marmoush possess the technical ability and tactical intelligence that should facilitate smooth integration into City’s setup

Manchester City’s current position in sixth place represents a significant departure from their usual standards. The 4-1 victory over West Ham United, while welcome, was accompanied by Guardiola’s honest assessment that “the performance was not good.” This self-awareness from the manager suggests a clear understanding of the work required to restore City to their former heights.

The gap between City’s current level and their historic standards provides both challenge and opportunity. New signings could provide the catalyst for improvement, but they must be integrated into a team that is already undergoing tactical adjustments and personnel changes.

With the FA Cup fixture against Salford City providing an opportunity to build momentum, City’s immediate focus must be on stabilizing their performances while simultaneously planning for the future. The potential additions of Khusanov and Marmoush represent investments in both the present and the future, offering the technical quality and tactical intelligence needed to compete at the highest level

The combined cost of acquiring both Khusanov and Marmoush would represent a significant investment, potentially approaching £85 million. However, this outlay must be viewed in the context of City’s long-term strategic planning and their need to address fundamental weaknesses in the squad.

Both players are at stages of their careers where they offer the potential for significant value appreciation. Khusanov’s youth and potential for development, combined with Marmoush’s proven goal-scoring ability, suggest that these investments could pay dividends both on and off the pitch.

The interest from other Premier League clubs in both players reflects the competitive nature of the modern transfer market. City’s ability to offer Champions League football, superior facilities, and world-class coaching provides advantages in recruitment battles, but the financial power of competitors means that no transfer is guaranteed until completed.

Manchester City’s January transfer window represents more than just an opportunity to add players to the squad—it’s a chance to redefine the trajectory of their season and set the foundation for future success. The potential acquisitions of Abdukodir Khusanov and Omar Marmoush would address two of the team’s most pressing needs while providing the kind of long-term value that has characterized City’s most successful signings.

The coming weeks will reveal whether City can successfully navigate the complexities of January recruitment while maintaining their high standards for player quality and tactical fit. Success in securing these targets could prove pivotal in Manchester City’s quest to reclaim their position among English football’s elite, while failure might consign them to a season of transition and rebuilding.

As Guardiola and his recruitment team weigh their options, the football world watches to see whether Manchester City can once again demonstrate the strategic thinking and execution that has made them one of the most successful clubs of the modern era. The January window may well define not just the remainder of this season, but the club’s prospects for years to come.