Manchester City have been advised to consider an unexpected move in the January transfer window as they look to strengthen their squad for another intense Premier League title challenge.
With Arsenal once again emerging as their closest rivals, the Sky Blues are being tipped to make a short-term but potentially decisive signing that could tilt the balance of the race.
City’s previous campaign ended below their own lofty standards. Their defence of the title lacked authority, and at times they appeared unusually vulnerable, both physically and tactically.
However, Pep Guardiola’s side have since shown clear signs of recovery. Significant investment in January last year, followed by further additions over the summer, has helped City rediscover their sharpness and authority.
The squad now looks more balanced, more competitive and, crucially, more adaptable to the demands of a long season.
Yet, with the January window approaching once again, there is a sense that Guardiola may still look to fine-tune his options.
City have never been shy of acting decisively when an opportunity presents itself, particularly if it offers an immediate boost rather than a long-term project.
According to former Liverpool and Aston Villa striker Dean Saunders, one specific area of the pitch still requires attention if City are to maintain their dominance at the top of English football.
Saunders believes City could benefit from additional depth and experience in midfield, especially in the defensive role that often sets the tempo for Guardiola’s system.
With Rodri carrying a heavy workload and City competing across multiple competitions, the Welshman argues that reinforcements could prove vital in the second half of the season.
That belief made Saunders to urge Man City to sign N’Golo Kante, a former Chelsea midfielder. The France international, now 34, left Stamford Bridge in 2023 to join Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad on a lucrative contract.
He is currently in his third season in Saudi Arabia, but with just six months remaining on his deal, speculation about his future has begun to grow.
A familiar face linked with a Premier League return
Kante’s reputation in English football needs little introduction. During his time with Leicester City and Chelsea, he established himself as one of the most effective defensive midfielders of his generation.
His role in Leicester’s remarkable title triumph in 2016 and Chelsea’s Champions League success in 2021 cemented his status as an elite performer, admired for his tireless energy, positional intelligence and selfless approach.
Despite his move to Saudi Arabia, Saunders believes Kante still has plenty to offer at the highest level and could adapt seamlessly to Guardiola’s demands.
Speaking on talkSPORT, he outlined why he urged Man City to sign N’Golo Kante, explaining that a short-term deal could be a masterstroke for Cityzens.
“This could be the signing of the season,” Saunders said talkSPORT about the possibility of Kante returning to the Premier League. “This is a big statement. I think Kante is available.
“I think he’s been there long enough, I think he’s got to stay there to avoid paying tax for a certain amount. I think he’s available.”
Saunders’ argument centres not only on availability but also on suitability. Guardiola’s teams rely heavily on control in midfield, often asking the defensive midfielder to read the game, protect the back line and recycle possession efficiently rather than cover every blade of grass. In Saunders’ view, that plays directly to Kante’s strengths.
“He could play for any team in the world. That position he plays in, defensive midfield, thinks like a defender, covers the ground.
“What is he, 34? He should be still flying around the pitch, he wouldn’t have lost his pace yet. Great attitude.”
While questions naturally arise about age and physical condition, Saunders dismisses concerns that Kante’s legs may have gone. Instead, he highlights the intelligence and discipline required for the role, qualities that often improve with experience rather than decline.
Why Guardiola might see value in a short-term solution
For Manchester City, the appeal of such a move would lie in its low risk and potentially high reward. A one-year contract, as suggested by Saunders, would allow the club to assess Kante’s impact without committing to a long-term arrangement.
In a squad already filled with technical quality, adding a proven winner with Premier League experience could strengthen the group both on and off the pitch.
“He could play in the middle of midfield for Man City. One-year contract, sign him for a year, just in case his legs have gone. But you don’t have to run that much in that position,” Saunders explained.
City’s style of play often reduces the need for constant high-intensity sprints, instead prioritising positioning, anticipation and ball retention. That tactical framework could help Kante manage his physical output while still influencing matches at the highest level.
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Moreover, his professionalism and attitude could be valuable assets during the most demanding stages of the season.
Saunders went even further, suggesting that Kante would still be an asset to almost every team in the league. While he acknowledged that Arsenal may not require his services due to their existing midfield options, he argued that most other clubs would benefit immediately from his presence.
“He would fit into any team in the Premier League, right now. I mean, Arsenal don’t need him, I suppose – they’ve got Martin Zubimendi, they could play Declan Rice there if they have to.
“But all the other teams in the league, I would sign him tomorrow. I think he’s probably the best since Claude Makelele, probably, playing in that position. And Rodri, obviously.”
Despite urging Man City to sign N’Golo Kante, Guardiola will make the final decision. He has traditionally preferred players who can adapt quickly to his complex tactical instructions, and Kante’s experience at the top level suggests he would be capable of doing just that.
As the January window approaches, the prospect of a familiar Premier League figure making a surprise return adds another layer of intrigue to an already compelling title race.
