The winter transfer window opened on New Year’s Day, igniting a month-long frenzy among Premier League clubs. For the top sides, it represents an opportunity to strengthen their squads in pursuit of silverware—whether one trophy or several. For teams battling relegation, it is a chance to recruit players capable of steering them back on course. However, the window is not only about player movement between clubs; stars whose contracts are nearing expiry—whether in the summer of 2026 or 2027—also require attention. According to Mark Ogden of ESPN, clubs must act decisively to renew contracts before rival teams attempt to lure those players away on free transfers.

With differing circumstances among the league’s elite as the window begins, this report examines what Manchester City must address on all fronts, from recruitment and departures to contract renewals.

Manchester City currently sit second in the Premier League table with 43 points, having finished third last season with 71 points. The club is targeting success in all four competitions they are involved in: the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, FA Cup, and EFL Cup.

The first major question concerns where Antoine Semenyo would fit following his reported £65 million move from Bournemouth. On the surface, it appears an unusual signing given City’s abundance of attacking options. Semenyo is undoubtedly a strong forward with proven goal-scoring ability, but similar qualities already exist in players such as Jeremy Doku, Savinho, Rayan Cherki, Omar Marmoush, and even Phil Foden.

Semenyo thrived at Bournemouth in a system based on rapid counter-attacks. Those same spaces may not be as readily available at Manchester City, a team that dominates possession high up the pitch. Nonetheless, Semenyo has demonstrated his finishing ability, which would provide Pep Guardiola with additional tactical options.

Crucially, Semenyo has proven himself in the Premier League, excels in high pressing, and can operate across the front line. Unlike Cherki, Doku, and Savinho, he consistently tracks back defensively when possession is lost. If City’s midfield and, to some extent, defensive issues stem from insufficient defensive contribution from attackers, Semenyo represents a logical solution.

The second issue revolves around Phil Foden, whose contract expires at the end of the 2026–27 season. At 25, Foden is approaching his peak years. He is an elite talent with a proven record of scoring and creating goals at the highest level, meaning contract renewal should be a priority. However, the complication may lie with the player himself. With uncertainty surrounding Guardiola’s future and having already won everything with City, Foden may be tempted by a new challenge once his current deal expires.

That said, City may not view renewal as immediately urgent. Foden failed to replicate his exceptional form from two seasons ago during the last campaign. Before committing to a long-term deal, the club may want reassurance that he can return to—or approach—his 2023–24 level. There is a belief within the club that this matter should ideally be resolved before the summer, though developments regarding Guardiola or the ongoing charges against the club could influence any final decision.

Another recurring question concerns Guardiola himself. This debate resurfaces almost every year: will he stay or leave? On at least three previous occasions, it appeared he was approaching his final season at the Etihad, only to sign a new contract each time. Guardiola is currently under contract until June 2027 and is just 54 years old, offering no concrete reason to assume this will be his last season. Yet with Guardiola, nothing is guaranteed. He operates in a rare position where he alone dictates his future. Contracts hold little weight for him, making it prudent for Manchester City to maintain a contingency plan should he decide to depart at any moment.

The fourth question is whether City need reinforcements during the current winter window, with Marc Guéhi and Elliot Anderson cited as potential targets. Either player would represent an immediate upgrade—Guéhi in defence, Anderson in midfield, particularly in light of uncertainty surrounding Rodri. Guéhi’s contract with Crystal Palace expires in the summer, and he may prefer to wait for a free transfer, though City possess the financial power to act now. Anderson, meanwhile, would likely command a prohibitive fee of around £100 million from Nottingham Forest, making a January move improbable.

Manchester City’s need for defensive reinforcement is evident, especially with Josko Gvardiol injured. John Stones continues to struggle with fitness, while Nathan Aké and Abdukodir Khusanov have featured sparingly this season. As such, pursuing Guéhi would make strategic sense. If Rodri remains fit, additional midfield signings may be unnecessary, given Nico González’s reliability and Mateo Kovačić’s expected return in February.

Anderson is undoubtedly a high-quality player—but not at the quoted price.

The final question concerns John Stones and Bernardo Silva, whose contracts expire this summer. Stones has made just 34 Premier League appearances since August 2023 and can no longer be relied upon physically. At 31, it would be illogical to offer him a new deal, as City must plan for the future. Bernardo Silva, by contrast, has played 83 league matches in the same period and remains far more durable. However, when asked about his future this season, he stated that he had already made his decision—strongly suggesting a summer departure.