Manchester City are currently in a crisis at the back, as Pep Guardiola is without two of his centre-backs, Aymeric Laporte and John Stones, with the former out for a long time.
This has resulted in Guardiola moving defensive midfielder Fernandinho to the back, to play alongside Nicolás Otamendi, who has been exposed time and again.
City missed out on signing Harry Maguire in the summer, who eventually moved to City’s neighbours and rivals, Manchester United.
The reigning Premier League champions need to sign a centre-back in the January transfer window if they want to compete with Liverpool for the Premier League.
Let’s take a look at 3 centre-backs Manchester City should target in the January transfer window:
3 Defenders Manchester City Should Buy In January
#3 Milan Skriniar
Inter Milan central defender Milan Skriniar is a warrior at the back, often putting his body on the line, making clearances, and leading his side from the back.
The Slovakian international has been a key player for Inter since joining them in 2017, thanks to his superb defending, as well as his passing from the back.
The 24-year-old could be the perfect signing for City at the back as he is a strong tackler as well as being very good in the air, which is lacking in the City backline.
Skriniar’s contract with Inter expires in 2023, having signed a new deal earlier this year. But, the lure of Manchester City could force Skriniar to leave the Italian club.
#2 Kalidou Koulibaly
Kalidou Koulibaly has been on the shortlist of Manchester United, Manchester City, and several top clubs in Europe, after being a rock in defence for Napoli over the last few seasons.
Koulibaly is a defender that has dominated Serie A over the last few seasons, and would be a good signing for most teams in the world, including Manchester City.
The Senegalese international is strong in the air, is a good tackler, and can also pass from the back.
Koulibaly has averaged 2.8 tackles per game for Napoli in Serie A this season, and 2.4 clearances on average. He’s also very good in the air, winning 2.8 aerial balls per game this season.
The Napoli star would cost around £100 million, but he would be worth every penny as he is a wall at the back.
#1 Toby Alderweireld
A cheaper and easier signing would be Tottenham central defender Toby Alderweireld, who is out of contract at the end of the season.
Spurs may want to make some money from the sale of the Belgian defender, rather than let him leave on a free.
The Belgian is a good passer, is a leader, and a strong tackler. Alderweireld would instantly make City a better defensive unit as he has experience of playing in the Premier League, and wouldn’t need time to bed into the league.
