Manchester City January transfer business is set to dominate headlines again as Pep Guardiola’s men continue to build for long-term success. After a summer that saw huge movement in and out of the Etihad Stadium, the one position that still looks uncertain is right-back.
City replaced almost every departing star with quality signings, but the failure to secure a like-for-like replacement for Kyle Walker has left a noticeable gap in their defensive setup.
Over the years, Manchester City have mastered the art of building squad depth, ensuring every position is covered with two world-class options. But this time, the absence of Walker — who joined Burnley permanently after a short loan spell at AC Milan — has highlighted a vulnerability in Guardiola’s backline.
Unlike in midfield and attack, where players like Kevin De Bruyne, İlkay Gündogan, and Jack Grealish have already been replaced with creative and versatile options, the right side of defence remains a concern.
With Walker gone, Guardiola has had to rely on makeshift options, including centre-backs drifting wide or midfielders dropping deep, but this is hardly a sustainable solution in a season where City will fight on multiple fronts.
That is why Manchester City January transfer business is expected to be laser-focused on finding the right profile of defender who can provide both defensive stability and attacking thrust from the flanks.
Here, we take a closer look at three realistic targets who could solve City’s right-back issue in the upcoming transfer window.
Tino Livramento – Newcastle United
Tino Livramento is a name that has surfaced repeatedly in City’s transfer discussions. The 22-year-old Newcastle defender has been heavily linked with a move to the Etihad over the past year. Throughout the summer, strong reports suggested City were leading the race to secure his signature, but a deal failed to materialise.
Newcastle were reluctant to sanction his departure, knowing how crucial he has become in their system. His ability to bomb forward with pace, coupled with his defensive tenacity, makes him a natural fit for Guardiola’s high-intensity style. However, it was also reported that Newcastle would only entertain discussions if an eye-watering fee was placed on the table.
With City having missed out in the summer, their January plans could once again revolve around Livramento. Guardiola is known for targeting young, versatile defenders who can grow into the system, and the England international fits the mould perfectly. This time around, City might be willing to meet Newcastle’s valuation, even if it means breaking the bank.
For Livramento, a move to the Etihad would represent a step up to the very highest level of European football. Competing at the highest level and fighting for Premier League titles under Guardiola could accelerate his development significantly.
Therefore, should Manchester City January transfer business reach an agreement with Newcastle, it may be one of the defining signings of the season.
Andrea Cambiaso – Juventus
If Livramento proves unattainable, Manchester City may turn to Italy, where Juventus defender Andrea Cambiaso has emerged as a serious target. At 25, Cambiaso is older than Livramento but brings with him experience from Serie A, where he has established himself as one of the most reliable full-backs.
Guardiola and City scouts are said to view him as a natural replacement for Walker. While Walker’s defining attribute was his blistering pace, Cambiaso brings a more balanced game, combining defensive solidity with attacking output. His numbers over the past two seasons back this up.
In the 2022/23 campaign, Cambiaso notched two goals and four assists in 31 appearances for Juventus. He improved further in 2023/24, producing six assists and three goals in 32 starts across all competitions. For a defender, these contributions highlight his willingness to get forward and influence play in the final third.
By the time the January window opens, Cambiaso will be a month away of his 26th birthday, which makes him an attractive option for City. He has the experience to step into a top side immediately while still having plenty of years ahead of him at the elite level. Although Juventus are unlikely to let him go easily, but City’s financial strength could prove decisive.
If Manchester City January transfer business leans towards Cambiaso, it would signal Guardiola’s intent to bring in a reliable performer who could seamlessly adapt to the demands of the Premier League.
Denzel Dumfries – Inter Milan
The third name on City’s radar is Inter Milan’s Denzel Dumfries. At 29, Dumfries may not be the long-term solution, but his experience and consistency make him a tempting short-term fix.
Guardiola may see him as someone capable of holding down the right-back role for the next three to four years while younger talents are developed within the squad.
Known for his power, pace, and physicality, Dumfries has been a standout performer for Inter in both Serie A and European competitions. His attacking numbers are impressive for a full-back: last season he scored 11 goals and provided five assists in 33 appearances. In the previous campaign, he contributed nine goal involvements in just 23 starts.
These statistics underline why Dumfries could be a valuable asset for City. He not only offers defensive reliability but also poses a genuine threat going forward, something Guardiola values highly in his full-backs.
Inter Milan may resist selling, given Dumfries’ importance to their squad, but with just a few years left in his prime, the Dutchman might be tempted by a move to the Premier League. If Manchester City January transfer business prioritises proven experience, Dumfries could very well be the man Guardiola turns to.
Why Right-Back Is Guardiola’s Top Priority
City’s pursuit of a new right-back is not just about replacing Walker; it is about maintaining balance in the squad. Guardiola’s tactical system often relies on full-backs to invert into midfield, stretch opposition defences, and recycle possession effectively. Without a natural right-back, City have been forced into tactical compromises that risk undermining their dominance.
While summer signings have strengthened midfield and attacking depth, the backline remains one injury away from a crisis. With the Premier League title race looking as competitive as ever and the Champions League knockout stages approaching, Guardiola knows the margin for error is minimal.
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Manchester City January transfer business, therefore, will be shaped around ensuring the squad is not only complete but also capable of handling the tactical demands of high-stakes football.
