Manchester City have reportedly decided to pause plans for the acquisition of a new right-back in the upcoming January 2026 transfer window, according to Sky Sports journalist Lyall Thomas.
The reigning Premier League champions entered the season with questions surrounding their defensive structure following the summer departure of Kyle Walker to Burnley. Walker’s exit left a noticeable gap in Pep Guardiola’s squad, particularly after the veteran full-back’s successful loan spell at AC Milan during the latter half of the 2024/25 campaign.
City made strategic signings during the previous window, adding Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis to bolster defensive options. However, neither were natural right-backs, with Guardiola instead relying on the versatility of Rico Lewis, John Stones, Manuel Akanji, and Matheus Nunes to rotate in the position.
Since his appointment in the summer, new sporting director Hugo Viana has been central to City’s evolving transfer strategy. Viana led a comprehensive review of the squad that prompted several high-profile exits, including Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan, Ederson, and Walker, marking the start of a new era at the Etihad Stadium.
Although City explored the possibility of signing Newcastle United’s Tino Livramento and AS Roma’s Wesley França as long-term replacements for Walker, financial considerations and squad balance led the club to opt against an immediate purchase.
According to reports, Guardiola has been impressed by Khusanov’s adaptation and versatility since joining the club, while Rico Lewis’ continued development and Matheus Nunes’ resurgence in form have convinced City’s hierarchy that there is no urgent need for reinforcement in the right-back position.
Sources now indicate that Manchester City will postpone any new signings in that area until the summer of 2026. By then, the club will reassess its defensive needs, with John Stones’ current contract set to expire at the end of the season.
Khusanov, who impressed prior to his recent injury setback, is expected to return to full fitness following the international break, just in time for City’s Premier League clash against Everton. His performances have earned praise internally, described as “a breath of fresh air” in a backline that struggled for inspiration during the previous campaign.
Meanwhile, Rico Lewis recently signed a new long-term contract at the Etihad Stadium, further solidifying the club’s faith in its existing defensive structure.
FAQ
- Q: Will Manchester City sign a right-back in January 2026?
A: No. Current reports suggest City will delay any right-back acquisition until the summer of 2026.
- Q: Who are Manchester City’s current right-back options?
A: Pep Guardiola has used Rico Lewis, Matheus Nunes, Abdukodir Khusanov, John Stones, and Manuel Akanji in rotation at right-back.
- Q: Why did Manchester City not replace Kyle Walker immediately?
A: The club wanted to balance finances, assess internal options, and give younger players like Rico Lewis more responsibility.
- Q: Could John Stones leave Manchester City next summer?
A: Yes. His current contract expires in 2026, and the club may decide not to renew depending on squad needs.
Conclusion
Manchester City’s measured approach under Hugo Viana and Pep Guardiola signals a calculated shift in transfer policy — prioritising squad stability and long-term planning over short-term fixes. With Khusanov and Lewis stepping up effectively, the Etihad hierarchy appears confident that the current setup can sustain another campaign without the immediate need for a new right-back.
