Manchester City could unleash £100M budget during January transfer window

It would be an understatement to suggest that Manchester City have had a busy summer transfer window in terms of both incomings and outgoings.

To add to Manchester City’s capture of Julian Alvarez back in January, the club went on to secure the services of Borussia Dortmund's Erling Haaland to cap off a new-look strike force.

Legendary midfielder Fernandinho also departed the club upon the expiry of his contract.

As such, Kalvin Phillips was brought in from Leeds United as the ideal understudy to Rodri in defensive midfield.

Similarly, Stefan Ortega Moreno was signed as an upgrade on Zack Steffen.

The aforementioned USA international moved out to Championship side Middlesborough on a season-long loan, in search of increased game time.

With the Premier League champions forking out a £104 million figure on new signings, the club also took home a staggering £174 million from player sales.

High-profile exits including the likes of Raheem Sterling, Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko have ensured Manchester City have had a hugely impressive net spend this summer.

Manuel Akanji to #ManCity. Thoughts?

More on the emerging story:https://t.co/fmvrtMnwxU

— City Xtra (@City_Xtra) August 30, 2022

However, it is key to note that at current, Pep Guardiola’s side only have 18 first-team players.

With youngsters such as Rico Lewis, Cole Palmer, Josh Wilson-Esbrand, Luke Mbete, Ben Knight, Liam Delap and Claudio Gomes all making the matchday squad at some point this term, it is clear to see that this Manchester City side lacks quantitative depth.

While there is no denying that Manchester City are spoilt for choice in terms of quality options, the departures of four senior players such as Fernandinho, Sterling, Jesus and Zinchenko has affected the seniority in the squad.

Keeping that in mind, a fresh revelation suggests that Pep Guardiola may be given the option to further strengthen his team this season.

As per a report by The Sun, the Catalan manager has been given assurances that he will have access to a £100 million budget to bring in any player that he feels caught the eye at the upcoming Qatar World Cup.

Nathan Ake: "Hopefully I can [continue this run of games]. As a player you want to play as many games as possible. I'm happy I started [vs West Ham] and hopefully I continue that. The World Cup is coming soon so you have to perform for your club to go to the World Cup..."

— City Xtra (@City_Xtra) August 8, 2022

In a one-of-a-kind campaign in which the World Cup is taking place mid-season, it is expected that a club such as Manchester City in particular, will have plenty of representatives at the tournament also having the possibility of picking up several injuries.

Keeping that in mind, and City’s habit of competing across all fronts, it is only right that Pep Guardiola is given the freedom to elevate his squad, if he feels the need to do so at the turn of the year.