Deal completed for £66m Prem star as three signings confirmed – Man City's dream January window

January can't come fast enough as far as Manchester City are concerned, with Pep Guardiola's injury-ravaged side having slumped to one win in their last 12 outings.

Rodri's injury in mid-September put City's season in jeopardy from the start and with no natural replacement in the squad, Guardiola was forced to reshuffle his squad during the Spanish midfielder's absence.

The winter market presents an opportunity to bring in some much-needed reinforcements, with all signs pointing to the Blues having an unusually busy January window.

Express Sport predicts what Manchester City's dream January transfer window could look like…

Bruno Guimaraes signs for Man City

Who knows where City could have been right now if they had pushed the boat out and signed Bruno Guimaraes while being linked with the Brazil international in the summer?

It's hard to imagine the 27-year-old, valued at £66m by Transfermarkt, wouldn't have made a difference to City's midfield following Rodri's injury, given his style of play seems perfectly suited to a Guardiola player.

Reports regarding the club's interest in January have been mixed, but if we're talking dream windows, there would be few better options to come in mid-season and help solve City's problems in the middle.

Tijjani Reijnders arrives from AC Milan

You wait for a save from Rodri and two arrive at the same time. That's what City fans are hoping will happen next month, as their need for bodies in midfield becomes desperate.

Alongside Rodri's season-ending injury, Mateo Kovacic has struggled to return to fitness, while time seems to be catching up with Ilkay Gundogan, who is now in his 30s.

Although he may be under contract until 2028, City could flex their financial muscle by looking to sign Tijjani Reijnders from AC Milan, with the Dutchman having established himself as one of the world's leading midfielders. most promising in Europe.

Arne Slot is also said to be a fan of Reijnders, meaning City may have to act fast if they want to sign a player not only capable of playing as a midfielder, but also one of the most advanced eight.

Jarrad Branthwaite arrives to replace John Stones

Alongside City's problems in midfield this year, central defense has also proven to be an issue, with the Blues currently only having one fit senior defender.

John Stones suffered an injury at half-time against Aston Villa last weekend, suggesting his eight-year stay in Manchester could be coming to an end.

What better way to replace the former Everton defender than to snatch the Toffees' next promising centre-back, who also happens to be English and an extraordinary ball player? Jarrad Branthwaite, at least on paper, is the perfect fit.

He won't come cheap though, as rivals Manchester United discovered this summer, but if City are to salvage anything from the 2024/25 season they may have to spend big on Branthwaite.