Yaya Toure’s fate could very well be sealed in the January transfer market. The towering midfielder has seen his stock fall at the Etihad Stadium and might consider leaving the club in search of more regular game time. New York City have reportedly approached the player to entice him to join them in the Major League Soccer.
The US-based outfit happens to be a sister club of Manchester City and it would be hard to ignore their demand given the close relation the clubs enjoy. Toure has seen lots of ups and downs at his current club and has won two Premier League titles with Manchester City, but this January he might have to move to the US and part ways with the current Premier League leaders.
But his growing influence has diminished a bit, as he is yet to start this season and his only two cameo appearances came off the bench. Guardiola has mostly preferred Fernandinho in the deep-lying playmaker’s role and with Illkay Gundogan also at the gaffer’s disposal, it would be a bit difficult for him to re-establish his authority at the Etihad Stadium.
If he does leave the Manchester club, the Citizens would have to bring in an alternative and here are the three possible incoming players at the club.
Claudio Marchisio
The Italian midfielder has struggled to settle down in the first team this term as persistent injury problem has curtailed his game time by much. The Italian international has been sent to the periphery since the arrival of Blaise Matuidi from Paris Saint Germain this summer.
He had been a constant presence in the midfield until this season where his stock has degraded and he might be looking for an escape route. Moving to City would be a much better prospect than sitting it out on the bench at the Italian club.
Sergio Busquets
One of the most tenacious and emphatic midfielders of the current generation. The Spanish international is well acquainted with Guardiola’s playing style having played under him at Barcelona and the Spanish gaffer is also an avid admirer of the player.
He is about to enter his prime time and Guardiola would love to build his side around the 29-year-old. Tempting him from the Nou Camp would be immensely difficult but City have the financial muscle to deal with this kind of situations.
Javi Martinez
Another Guardiola disciple. Javi Martinez hasn’t played much this season and if Bayern Munich get a substantial offer for the 29-year-old, they are unlikely to block his move away from the Allianz Arena in January.
