The management of Manchester City is preparing for active actions in the summer transfer window. The Spanish specialist Josep Guardiola has started to renew the team and is considering new players who fully meet his requirements.
The "Citizens" brought in central defenders Abduqodir Husanov and Vitor Reis in the winter, as well as midfielder Niko Gonzales and forward Umar Marmush. However, the issue of additional transfers for these positions is still open, and these areas may be further strengthened in the summer.
According to Cityxtra.co.uk, Manchester City is closely monitoring the situation of Liverpool's French player Ibrahima Konate to further strengthen their central defense.
This season, Konate has formed an excellent partnership with Virgil van Dijk in the "Reds" and has been one of the key players under coach Arne Slot in winning the Premier League trophy.
Guardiola is not fully satisfied with the aspects of his defenders. The frequent injuries of John Stones, Nathan Ake, and Manuel Akanji during the season have negatively affected the team's overall results. Currently, the most stable defender in the squad remains Josko Gvardiol, but he is forced to alternate between central and wing defense.
The club's new sporting director is preparing thoroughly for the transfer window, taking into account Guardiola's requirements.
According to English football experts Graham Bailey and James Bruk, the delay in negotiations for a new contract with Konate, whose contract expires next year, has created a favorable situation for City. The "Citizens" are trying to take effective advantage of this opportunity.
Experts also noted that Manchester City has brought in young players like Abduqodir Husanov and Vitor Reis for the future of their central defense. These players could replace Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias, but for now, the issue of experience is hindering them from securing a place in the starting lineup.
As part of the "Citizens'" youth strategy, it has been suggested that they may part ways with players like John Stones, Nathan Ake, and Manuel Akanji due to age and injury susceptibility. In such a case, a transfer for the 25-year-old Konate would be very appropriate.
However, the arrival of such experienced players could negatively impact the playing time of young talents Abduqodir Husanov and Vitor Reis. For instance, despite having played nine games since arriving in Manchester, Abduqodir Husanov has not been fielded in the last one and a half months. Guardiola did not even include the Uzbek player in the matchday squad for the last two matches.
For Abduqodir Husanov, who was named the club's best player in February, a lot of work is required to return to the starting lineup. In short, competition at City has never been easy and will not be.
