Manchester City Eyeing Third January Signing After Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guehi

Manchester City could yet make another move in the January transfer window following the arrivals of Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guehi, according to a new report.

The Premier League champions have already addressed two key problem areas this month, strengthening their attacking and defensive units with the proven additions of Semenyo and Guehi. Both signings have been viewed internally as low-risk, high-impact solutions during a turbulent period of the campaign.

Pep Guardiola’s defensive options remain severely stretched. Preferred centre-back pairing Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol were both injured in the 1-1 draw with Chelsea earlier this month. Dias is not expected back until mid-February, while Gvardiol is facing a lengthy absence that could keep him sidelined until May.

City’s broader form has also raised concern. With just two wins in their last seven matches in all competitions and no Premier League victories in 2026 so far, Guardiola’s side find themselves seven points behind leaders Arsenal. The prospect of mounting another late-season title charge remains uncertain.

The scale of City’s injury crisis was laid bare during Tuesday night’s 3-1 Champions League defeat to Bodo/Glimt, where a long list of absentees included Antoine Semenyo, Matheus Nunes, Nico Gonzalez, Savinho, John Stones, Ruben Dias, and Josko Gvardiol.

The result in the Arctic Circle proved particularly damaging, both on and off the pitch. The performance prompted the club’s leadership group to refund more than £10,000 in ticket costs to the 374 supporters who made the journey to Norway, underlining the frustration within the squad.

While City are not expected to pursue any major signings before deadline day, departures could influence their final decisions. Oscar Bobb is weighing up a £30 million move to Fulham, Stefan Ortega Moreno is exploring his options, and Kalvin Phillips could leave on loan in search of regular minutes.

According to Mail Sport’s Jack Gaughan, City are considering a move for 19-year-old Feyenoord right-back Givairo Read as they look to reinforce their defensive depth for the second half of the season.

Matheus Nunes has missed recent fixtures through illness, forcing Guardiola into makeshift solutions. Rico Lewis started at right-back against Manchester United, while Rayan Aït-Nouri, a natural left-back, filled in during the defeat to Bodo/Glimt. With Abdukodir Khusanov and 20-year-old Max Alleyne currently partnering in central defence, Lewis remains the only specialist right-back available.

Ultimately, City’s ability to complete a third January signing is expected to hinge on outgoing business, as Guardiola’s side continue to balance immediate needs with long-term planning.

Conclusion

Manchester City’s January rebuild may not yet be complete. While no marquee arrivals are anticipated, the club’s ongoing injury crisis—particularly at right-back—has opened the door for a potential third signing. Any further movement is likely to depend on departures, but City remain alert as they attempt to stabilise a season that is delicately poised on multiple fronts.

FAQ

• Q: Who have Manchester City signed in January so far?
  A: City have signed Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth and Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace.
• Q: Why are City considering another January signing?
  A: A growing injury crisis, particularly in defence and at right-back, has left Pep Guardiola short of options.
• Q: Who is the reported new target?
  A: Feyenoord right-back Givairo Read, who is 19 years old.
• Q: Will Manchester City make a major signing?
  A: No major incoming is expected; any further move would likely be a depth signing.
• Q: Could player departures affect City’s plans?
  A: Yes. Potential exits such as Oscar Bobb, Stefan Ortega Moreno, or Kalvin Phillips could influence City’s final decision.