The January Window: What Is Needed at Manchester City?

As a City supporter, I have been sitting and debating in my mind who the Blues should go after in the transfer market. 

While I read the news and rumors, I read numerous stories of the world's elite coming to Eastlands.  While I do not doubt that City can tempt a few of them to come to Manchester, I do have my doubts as to who will come. 

I also worry about the types of players that would come.

Since the takeover of Man City by the ADUG, the Blues have been linked with everyone but Pele it seems. However, with the Blues in 15th, do we really think the world's elite are going to come? 

If they do, I believe it would be only for the money—exactly the wrong type of player City needs. 

While I have been watching City, I have decided that even though City are 15th, Mark Hughes is the right man for the job. He has successfully guided City through to the round of 32 in UEFA Cup. He has not had the chance to really build the squad into his own mold. 

Also, he has little depth at crucial positions. Yes, the signings of Robinho and Shaun Wright-Phillips as well as the form of Stephen Ireland have drastically improved City's attack, but City lack the quality in the back four and lack consistency in general play.

So, how does City solve their problems? The answer lies with Mark Hughes and the ADUG. The club have endless wealth and are ready to use it. However, the way to use it is the subject of much debate among many in the football world. 

Most agree that City need help in defense. The form of Richard Dunne and Micah Richards has been the subject of scrutiny. I believe that form has been impacted though by the increased focus on attack and the lack of support from outside defenders.  

This leads us to the first transfer objective, outside defender. Javier Garrido has improved dramatically over the course of the season, Pablo Zabaleta has been reasonable of late.

However, they still lack the quality needed to compete consistently with the Premier League's elite.

Next problem for City to solve?  City have a big problem at striker. Robinho is best as support to a striker. Jo has yet to show why City paid £19m for him. Benjani is a decent striker but still seems to be hampered by the injury that hit him in preseason. 

That leaves two options, Ched Evans and Daniel Sturridge. Evans and Sturridge are two of the young, bright talents that have come from the City academy and while neither of these players' abilities are debatable, we can debate whether these players are ready. 

Ched Evans is a kid who has a good eye for goal, but has yet to gain the confidence to really be effective in the Premier League.  A loan spell in the Championship or in the top flight of another league in Europe could benefit Evans. 

As for Sturridge, all he really needs is the chance to start more Premier League matches at striker. He has been used as a winger at times but his strength is up front. Daniel Sturridge is a big, strong and quick player who possesses a keen eye for goal and has the attacking mentality that is required at that position. 

He also seems to be becoming more composed when he gains possession that he becomes an even greater threat. 

Relying on an 18-year-old kid at striker is not a viable option to Hughes though. Mark Hughes needs an experienced and proven striker that he can rely on to supply the goals.  Lukas Podolski or Roque Santa Cruz would fit that bill perfectly. 

In my opinion, Podolski is the better option as he wants out of Munich and Bayern seem like they will cave and let him leave. 

As for Santa Cruz, Blackburn will not sell him unless City splash out heavy amounts of cash. City have the money, but the new Arab owners are not too keen on just throwing money out at anyone. 

They are shrewd and intelligent businessmen who will not be taken for granted. City's owners will back Mark Hughes financially, that is no secret. However, they will not throw money at just any player.  If the price goes too high, Hughes will simply look elsewhere.

Now, City have been linked with Kaka, Buffon, and Fernando Torres. While Kaka has expressed interest in coming to City, I believe he is more likely to see out the season at AC Milan. 

As for Torres? Not a chance. Liverpool wont be selling their top striker for any amount, especially when they have a shot at a Premier League title. 

That leaves us with Buffon. City need a veteran elite goalkeeper. City will splash out what it takes to get that elite goalkeeper.  While I do believe Joe Hart will be the England No. 1 and will be an elite goalkeeper, I just don't think he is quite to the level of an every day starter. 

He has much to learn and who better to learn from than from a man that has won the World Cup?  Although a move for Buffon would be great in January, I believe a move this summer is far more likely.  As is the case for many of the other rumored superstars.

In my opinion, while City are struggling, to think they will not achieve a high level of success is quite foolish.  The club and supporters are tired of playing second fiddle to United and the rest of the Premier League. 

They will stop at nothing to bring success back to a trophy starved club and its fanatically devoted supporters. 

My one plea to City is to buy smart!  Don't just buy the best players, buy the right players. Players who have a winning attitude.  Players who know what it takes to win.  A great player may have a ton of talent, but if he has a bad attitude, it can spread and cause you more headaches. 

Buy the players who will bring a level head, a good work ethic and the burning desire to bring Manchester City to the forefront of football.  Bring players in who want to be a part of something special that will last for a long time to come. 

Also, don't sacrifice the academy for the thrill of a couple trophies. Use the academy to build for the future, use the new signings to lay the foundation for a winning club. 

January could be a defining month in the history of Manchester City. Strap yourselves in everyone, its going to be a wild, wild ride. 

But we're used to wild rides at City, so I will simply buckle up my seat belt and hang on for dear life.