Manchester City are now reportedly one of the two clubs most interested in Pep Guardiola’s vital defensive reinforcement, worth more than £40m.
Man City interested in key defensive reinforcements
This time last year, Man City were preparing for a hectic January transfer window. The Citizens were struggling more than ever under Guardiola, who himself was experiencing the worst results of his career.
A year later, things have calmed down a bit. The serial winners still have issues to deal with, but are still firmly in the Premier League title race.
Manchester City joins three more clubs to pursue ‘failure’ Arsenal star
The Gunners responded.
But Man City need to improve defensively before they can think of leapfrogging Arsenal. The collapse of close games against Leeds United and Fulham were worrying red flags, and the January transfer window presents Guardiola with an opportunity to make important additions.
Asked about the team’s recent defensive vulnerabilities, he told reporters: “I don’t like conceding six goals in two games, but we have to build from there. We have to fix these problems. I believe we can do better. Creating chances and scoring goals is what we have built as a team, but we have to be more solid.”
So who could Man City sign in 2026? As it stands, their big names to watch seem to be Crystal Palace’s Marc Göch and Eintracht Frankfurt’s Nathaniel Braun.
Guehi would be a particularly impressive signing given that Liverpool remain very closely linked with his signature. City would jump at the chance to bring in the England international if he becomes available as a free agent next summer.
Meanwhile, Brown would also be an impressive addition. The left-back reportedly has many admirers at the Etihad and has emerged as an early target to help Guardiola solve his current defensive leaks.
Man City compete with Arsenal to sign Brown
According to Catch Offside, Man City are currently the clubs most interested in signing Brown, along with title rivals Arsenal. The two Premier League sides appear to be leading the pack in signing Frankfurt’s impressive player, who is set to be worth around €50m (about £44m) when 2026 arrives.
It’s easy to see why Man City are among the favorites to sign Brown next year, especially now that Guardiola is reverting to a flying full-back.
Ben Mattinson described the German as just that last season, with Como’s scouts also calling the Frankfurt man “pacy”.
Man City rarely miss out on opportunities in the transfer market and should be confident of luring Brown to Manchester in 2026, even if Arsenal climb to the top of the Premier League.
