Manchester City Eye French Teen Mathys Detourbet Amid Antoine Semenyo Competition
Manchester City are reportedly targeting French youth international Mathys Detourbet from ESTAC Troyes, with competition from AS Monaco and AS Roma heating up. The Blues are expected to be active in the January 2026 transfer market as director of football Hugo Viana looks to reinforce Pep Guardiola’s squad for the second half of the season.
Following a summer overhaul that saw several senior players leave and seven new signings arrive, Guardiola is seeking further attacking reinforcements to maintain Manchester City’s momentum in the Premier League and European competitions. With Erling Haaland shouldering much of the team’s goal-scoring burden, the addition of goalscoring wingers has become a priority.
Alongside Detourbet, City remain interested in Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth, who has a £65 million release clause. Manchester United are also reportedly tracking Semenyo, adding to the competition. Guardiola’s desire for wide players capable of scoring goals is intensified by current squad absences, including Omar Marmoush’s six-week departure for the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations and Jeremy Doku’s injury until the New Year.
Detourbet, 18, has been presented with a precise career trajectory plan by Manchester City, highlighting the club’s ambition to develop young talent. City’s connection to Troyes through the City Football Group may give them an advantage in negotiations, potentially following the pathway of players like Savinho who made the move from Troyes to the Etihad Stadium.
In addition to strengthening the attack, Manchester City are considering moves to cover other areas. Rodri’s persistent injury issues and Mateo Kovacic’s unavailability until spring 2026 could push the club to sign a holding midfielder if the workload on Nico Gonzalez becomes unsustainable. Similarly, right-back options may be reassessed, though Matheus Nunes’ adaptability and Abdukodir Khusanov’s versatility offer temporary solutions.
Squad changes may also see departures, with Stefan Ortega Moreno potentially leaving if a suitable opportunity arises, and Nathan Ake’s future uncertain due to limited playing time. With the Premier League title race tightly contested, Viana could use the January window to bolster depth and maintain City’s challenge on multiple fronts.
FAQ
Q: Who is Mathys Detourbet?
A: Detourbet is an 18-year-old French winger currently at ESTAC Troyes and a youth international for France.
Q: Why is Manchester City interested in Detourbet?
A: City are seeking young, goalscoring wingers to reduce reliance on Erling Haaland and provide tactical depth for Guardiola.
Q: How does the City Football Group connection help?
A: Troyes is majority-owned by the City Football Group, which could simplify negotiations and provide a clear pathway for Detourbet to join Manchester City.
Q: Are there other targets for City in January?
A: Yes, Manchester City are also pursuing Antoine Semenyo and may consider signing a holding midfielder depending on squad availability.
Conclusion
Manchester City’s pursuit of Mathys Detourbet highlights their continued focus on long-term squad development and tactical flexibility. Alongside Antoine Semenyo, Detourbet represents a key addition to strengthen City’s attacking options. With the January window approaching, Guardiola and Viana appear poised to make strategic moves that could prove decisive in Manchester City’s pursuit of domestic and European success in 2026.
