Manchester City reacted emphatically in the transfer market after a disappointing end to 2024.
After well and truly slipping out of the Premier League title race – following a dismal run of just two wins in ten league games before 2025 began – Manchester City spent almost £180m on four new signings during the winter transfer window.
Omar Marmoush and Abdukodir Khusanov arrived from Eintracht Frankfurt and RC Lens for sums of £59m and £33.6m respectively – while Vitor Reis was signed for £29.6m from Palmeiras.
Nico Gonzalez – who has been compared to Pedri – then joined in a £50m deadline day move from Porto.
However – as Manchester City approach the knockout stage of the UEFA Champions League – Pep Guardiola has a big problem on his hands.
Manchester City can only register three new signings for the UEFA Champions League
UEFA regulations only allow for three new players to be added to the squad for the knockout phase.
Rule 32.01 states: “After the completion of the league phase and before the start of the knockout phase, a club may register a maximum of three new eligible players for the remaining matches in the current competition. Such registrations must be completed by 6 February 2025 (24:00 CET) at the latest.”
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Manchester City obviously made four new signings – which means Guardiola will have to leave one out.
Vitor Reis or Abdukodir Khusanov at risk
We expect Marmoush to be included – given the fact the Egypt international has been one of Europe’s standout players this season with 20 goals and 14 assists in just 28 appearances.
Gonzalez should also be included given the lack of options at Guardiola’s disposal in the No.6 role.
Welcome, Nico! 🩵 pic.twitter.com/dvHbM9XIXE
— Manchester City (@ManCity) February 3, 2025
Therefore, we feel it will be a battle between Reis, who Arsenal wanted, or Khusanov for that third spot, seeing as the Citizens already have the likes of John Stones, Manuel Akanji and Josko Gvardiol in the centre-back department, with Ruben Dias set to return soon.
Of course, some may argue that Rodri is injured and can be left out of the squad – although Guardiola may want to include the Spain international in order for him to receive a medal, should Manchester City go all the way.
