The January transfer market is expected to be extremely busy, at least according to Real Madrid, who are aware that Manchester City will do everything they can to strengthen their squad.
Currently, Manchester City find themselves in a critical situation, trailing Liverpool by 8 points in the Premier League and on the brink of being eliminated from the Champions League.
These circumstances, combined with Pep Guardiola’s recent statements, have raised concerns across Europe, as the Spanish coach’s comments have triggered expectations from clubs waiting for City’s moves in the market.
For Real Madrid fans, these statements make it clear that Guardiola is targeting one of Carlo Ancelotti’s players. In recent hours, reports from England have revealed that Manchester City are planning to spend heavily in the upcoming transfer window. Among the names being discussed are Martin Zubimendi, Florian Wirtz, and Bruno Guimaraes, but Florentino Pérez and José Ángel Sánchez are well aware that Guardiola’s true target is Jude Bellingham.
Should Bellingham agree to move to Manchester City, the club is prepared to pay more than €190 million for him. However, the player has no plans to leave Real Madrid at this time, and the Spanish club have no intention of selling him. Bellingham has previously stated: “I never lost my smile in Madrid. I am the luckiest man to play for Real Madrid and in England.”
Guardiola’s comments highlight the current struggles at City, who are dealing with a shortage of players due to multiple injuries. This situation contrasts sharply with the way Carlo Ancelotti has managed similar challenges.
Despite injuries to key players such as Thibaut Courtois, David Alaba, Dani Carvajal, and Éder Militão, Ancelotti has led Real Madrid to great success, winning both La Liga and the Champions League last season. This demonstrates the stark difference in how the two coaches have dealt with the pressures of injuries and performance.