2 hours ago
2
Manchester City are in sensational form but this nightmare January transfer window scenario could put a dampener on things
Manchester City enter January full of optimism as they intend to make 2026 better than 2025. Fortunately for the Blues they have put themselves in a great position to do just that by winning eight consecutive games as they start to turn the heat up on Premier League leaders Arsenal in the title race.
However, as they enter tonight's clash with Sunderland in the Premier League, the Blues know they must win if they are to close the gap to two points. A defeat against the Black Cats would release a lot of the pressure on Arsenal and would be the worst start to 2026.
But New Year's Day also marks the start of the January transfer window and there are some nightmare scenarios which could play out over the course of the month which would be blows to Pep Guardiola's vision. So with this in mind, MEN Sport has taken a look at what a nightmare January would look like.
Trafford seeks exit
Returning to the Etihad Stadium again to sign for his boyhood club must have been a dream come true for James Trafford. After excelling in the Championship as Burnley gained promotion, the 23-year-old may have rightly thought 2026 was the year he could truly challenge Jordan Pickford to be England's No.1 as well as become City's first choice.
And then Guardiola signed Gianluigi Donnarumma. The Italian has since become the first choice and Trafford has been limited to just three Premier League appearances. Nobody could blame the goalkeeper if he wished to seek a transfer away from City again.
He is just three years younger than Donnarumma so staying and hoping to replace him does not seem a viable option. But in leaving, it would be a nightmare for City midway through the season and Guardiola would much rather deal with this situation in the summer.
Bernardo signs pre-contract
Much like when Ilkay Gundogan left the first time, the beginning of 2026 threatens to be dominated by whether or not Bernardo Silva leaves. Ask any City fan and you would be hard pressed to find one who would gladly let the 31-year-old leave.
The truth is, the start of this month means the midfielder can agree to a pre-contract with any foreign team which would officially end the Portuguese midfielder's time with the Blues.
Phillips stays
Unfortunately for Kalvin Phillips, his 2022 transfer to City has proven to be a major mistake for his career. While the money has been good and he has won the Premier League twice, as well as the Champions League, he has only managed to make 32 appearances for the Blues.
Keeping Phillips beyond January would be a disaster for both the club and him. A new year and a fresh start for all involved would be perfect. Staying on only delays the inevitable for a while longer.
English (US) ·