Currently second in the Premier League and considered among the favourites for the Champions League, Manchester City have one of the most complete and expensively assembled squads in World football.
But, there is room for improvement, with some of the Cityzen stars coming to the end of their time at the very top level. At right-back, right-wing and central midfield, changes will need to be made soon. We take a look at five players that should be on their mind when they look to move on.
📰 Table Of Contents
1. Noah Okafor (Switzerland)
The Joker in Switzerland’s pack, Okafor’s rise could continue this winter, with the RB Salzburg man expected to be up for sale in January. A wide forward comfortable on either flank, he would add to the ranks of Pep Guardiola’s side and is set to become available in January, with Liverpool also thought to be interested.
And, with Riyad Mahrez seemingly struggling this season, Okafor could be a valuable addition.
The nutmeg from Noah Okafor before slotting home 😮💨#UCL pic.twitter.com/tQxmdxG2sq
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) September 7, 2022
2. Jude Bellingham (England)
Not the most surprising option, but Manchester City are among the favourites in the race for Bellingham’s signature when he becomes available this summer, and City fans will get more chances to see him in action after his performances against the in the Champions League as he lines out for England.
One… two.. three! 🎯 👌
A goal of real quality from @BellinghamJude and Julian Brandt! 👏#Bundesliga | #MD15 | #BMGBVB pic.twitter.com/xSQwMsjyNK
— Bundesliga English (@Bundesliga_EN) November 15, 2022
He will be going nowhere in January, but it is likely the team that do the most groundwork in the coming months land the teenager, and the tournament in Qatar could serve as a good starting point to replicate their transfer coup of Erling Haaland from last season, and land his former teammate at the beginning of the summer.
3. Moises Caicedo (Ecuador)
One man who could be a key player for years to come is Brighton’s Moises Caicedo, the heartbeat for an underrated Ecuador side that will have to be at their best to make it out of a group containing host nations Qatar, Netherlands and African champions Senegal.
Can @OfficialBHAFC‘s Moises Caicedo lead Ecuador to victory in their #FIFAWorldCup opener? 🇪🇨 pic.twitter.com/kxzKYxvYyt
— Premier League (@premierleague) November 20, 2022
Having shone for Brighton so far this season, the 21-year-old is also thought to be the subject of interest from Liverpool and Chelsea, but he will command a hefty fee when he does move.
For now, his star continues to rise, and he is one that Pep Guardiola and co. are undoubtedly keeping a close eye on.
4. Jeremie Frimpong (Netherlands)
Manchester City’s right-back position could be an issue in the years to come, with Kyle Walker now 32 years old and Joao Cancelo often used on the left flank more than the right.
Enter, Jeremie Frimpong. The Bayer Leverkusen and Netherlands right-back is often a more marauding option than the conservative Walker, having grabbed five goals and an assist in the Bundesliga season to date. Should he be able to displace Denzel Dumfries on the right flank of Louis Van Gaal’s Netherlands side, his price could skyrocket.
Two 𝑵𝒆𝒘 𝑳𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 in our World Cup Squad! 💫
🦁 @XaviSimons
🦁 @JeremieFrimpong#NothingLikeOranje pic.twitter.com/VdXWtxPogd— OnsOranje (@OnsOranje) November 14, 2022
5. Andreas Skov Olsen (Denmark)
Not yet a World Class winger, Skov Olsen could be one of the tournament’s breakthrough stars nonetheless, with the Club Brugge winger in fantastic form for Club Brugge so far this season.
A gifted dribbler who is a strong 1v1 operator akin to Riyad Mahrez, City have already shown their willingness to invest in youth when they signed Sergio Gomez in the summer, and Skov Olsen has the potential to be the next one off the conveyer belt and could be in line for a big move should he help the Danes reach the latter stages of the tournament.
🇩🇰 Andreas Skov Olsen (22) for Denmark:
✅ 1281 minutes
⚽️ 8 goals
🅰️ 6 assists
📊 0.98 G/As per 90Since arrriving in Club Brugge he has averaged 0.95 G/As for the club per 90
Denmark could be dark horses at the World Cup and he is one to watch. https://t.co/bbyFsh36ac
— Bence Bocsák (@BenBocsak) November 17, 2022
