After a dismal few months, Manchester City must look forward - at how to solve their problems and how to save their season.
Pep Guardiola said recently: “We're not a big fan of that [window], but the circumstances of this season have been special.
“We've spoken about doing something. In winter, it's if we really need it, or if we can really find something. It is not easy to do. Clubs don't want to sell and players are so expensive. It depends on the market, we'll see.”
But City can’t afford to “see”. They must spend.
Top priority
Midfield. Every day of the week and twice on Sunday.
The main position in need of immediate attention is defensive midfield, where a replacement for Rodri - quite possibly out for the season - is crucial. Many see the Spanish midfielder as the best player in the world, and without him City have gone from treading water at the beginning of the season to sinking fast in recent weeks and months.
What else they need
City have conceded a highly concerning 27 goals in 12 games, and so defence must be looked at too. Kyle Walker has been showing his age of 34 with slowing pace and an increasing number of errors recently.
Rico Lewis, Josko Gvardiol and even Matheus Nunes have played at left-back in the absence of a nominal left-footed full-back. The club should consider signing someone who is a left-back by trade.
Possible ins
They have been linked with central midfielders Bruno Guimaraes of Newcastle and Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad. They are also rumoured to be keen on teenage central defender Juma Bah.
Possible outs
Crystal Palace are fond of City’s academy graduate James McAtee. He has played just 333 minutes of action this season, and it remains to be seen whether the club allow him to leave.
And a wildcard shout: could Saudi clubs come back in for goalkeeper Ederson after interest in the summer? Stefan Ortega is his long-term successor as the club’s No1.
