EPL Transfers: 5 Things Manchester City Must Do in the January Window

EPL league leaders Manchester City and their skipper, Roberto Mancini, have some difficult decisions as they begin play in the new year.  It seems that their squad, which is enormously overpaid, is still missing a few quality pieces that are needed to shore up a title win. 

With a few players needing to be sold, as well as loosing players to injuries and the African Cup of Nations, Manchester City should be busy at the January transfer window.

This article will address the areas where Manchester will need to strengthen in order to continue to challenge for the title in the second half of the season.  

Sell Carlos Tevez

Obviously, and plainly put, Carlos Tevez has to be sold.  This saga has gone on for much too long and is getting increasingly exhausting to hear about week after week.  Wherever he ends up, and whatever the transfer cost, it is safe to say Carlos Tevez will no longer remain on the squad after this transfer window.

Good riddance. 

Buy a Central Defender

Probably the most glaring weak spot in the City squad is central defense.  Vincent Kompany is increasing his worth and impressing again this year and Joleon Lescot hasn't been terrible; however, Kolo Toure and Stefan Savic have not made a great impact on the squad this year.  With Toure being lost to the African Cup of Nations tournament, this leaves City with really only two capable centre-backs.  

At the very least, a stop gap defender is necessary to guide City through this difficult period of the schedule in case their are any injuries.  I expect Mancini to try to find a bargain for this role and probably steer away from a large transfer fee like a player like Mats Hummels will draw.  

Find a Replacement for Yaya Toure

The loss of Yaya Toure will be a major blow to this side.  The former Barcelona man has been a mainstay in the City squad since his arrival.  Despite having signed the oft injured Owen Hargreaves in the summer window, Mancini is weary of what the loss of Toure may do to the squad.  Once again Hargreaves is injured and City are looking to go forward without Toure with Barry and De Jong.  

If De Rossi is not available for a cheap transfer, look for Mancini to bring in a veteran defensive mid similar to his Patrick Vieira move a few seasons ago.  

Get Rid of Unwanted Players

Mancini still has the difficult task of clearing out some of the hefty contracts and wages that were purchased before his time with the club.  It has been difficultly frustrating for Mancini to sell off these wages, which is why seasonal loans have been seen instead of transfers.  

Wayne Bridge and Nedum Onuoha look like they are set to exit the club this window.  With neither player receiving time on the pitch, their weekly wages are simply a waste to the club.  Look for them and a few other players to move to clear some roster spots. 

Buy a Stiker

Manchester City has three world class strikers already in the squad and Mancini wants more?  This seems rather silly to suggest, except recent injuries have plagued the forwards in the squad and has left this position rather thin.  

There are links that Alexandre Pato may be linked to move in a swap for Carlos Tevez.  If this is not to happen, it would be wise for Mancini to look towards purchasing either a veteran or young striker with potential, neither of which would mind spending some time off the pitch for long periods of time.  

Either way, Manchester City does need some sort of insurance in this position to continue their quest for a title. 

Conclusion

Despite being told he cannot spend this transfer window, look for Mancini to be very active in a buying/selling fashion to beef up his squad and bring in a few role players to ensure success during the African Cup of Nations and beyond.