Tough Man City calls on two defenders points to summer transfer moves

Manchester City relied on two centre-backs in January to help save their season but have now moved on with more competition

It's fair to say that Manchester City would not have got through their January without Nathan Ake or Max Alleyne. The two defenders were thrust into action amid an injury crisis and played a part in stabilising a team that was wobbling.

Ake came into the side at Sunderland on New Year's Day and - having nearly injured himself in the opening minutes - came through not only that game but started six out of nine in January. Pep Guardiola needed an experienced defender to give his side some composure at the back and Ake gave him exactly that.

Alleyne was an emergency transfer, recalled from his loan at Championship side Watford following injuries to Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol in the same match and then thrust straight into the starting XI for the Premier League game at Brighton. He was outstanding in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final at Newcastle and started five out of seven available games in January, albeit he struggled against United and then Bodo/Glimt in the same week.

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That month seems like a long time ago now and against Newcastle on Saturday there was no space for either defender in the squad. They were not injured, but Guardiola was able to name two centre-backs in his side and another two on the bench without needing to call on either Ake or Alleyne.

Marc Guehi was signed from Crystal Palace last month and has immediately come into the starting XI, Abdukodir Khusanov has been the best centre-back in 2026, while Ruben Dias and John Stones have returned from injury. If Ake and Alleyne proved important in a crisis, they have seen others come in or come back to take their place in matchday squads.

The fact that both defenders have seen their fortunes change so quickly is a reminder that they could soon be back in favour, but it is a difficult waiting game. With another tough trip to Newcastle in the FA Cup and the pressure increasing in the Premier League and Champions League, opportunities to play will only get more scarce.

Ake will have felt a lot better about his World Cup spot last month after being told by Ronald Koeman he needs to play regularly to keep his place, although the selection for the March international fixtures will be telling. It would be a surprise if Ake were to fall out of contention at this late stage, yet at the same time he has had enough signs now that it is time to move on from City in summer when his contract expires.

Alleyne was playing every week at Watford before being recalled at City, yet now fellow academy defender Stephen Mfuni has gone to Vicarage Road and the early impressions are excellent. There could well be a spot in Guardiola's squad next season as the fifth centre-back that Alleyne could challenge for, but it may be best for all if he also moves in the summer to find a club where he can be on loan for the full season and develop away from the Etihad.

Ake and Alleyne are not the only two players to have had ups and downs this season; Phil Foden and Nico Gonzalez were both undroppable as autumn turned to winter but have found it difficult to get into the team this year. But with question marks over next season for the defenders, Guardiola's tough calls at the weekend may have made things clearer for the summer.

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