Manchester City has the funds to invest, the desire to make new signings, and room in their squad for January recruits. Whether it’s a defensive midfielder, center-back, or possibly a more offensive player, City is gearing up for an active January after facing injury issues and challenges in the first half of the season. We are aware of some players who won’t be signing this month, while many others have been associated with potential transfers. Whoever arrives will have many squad numbers to choose from upon signing. Joao Cancelo’s departure in the summer opens up the number seven he wore since 2022, but his loan periods starting January 2023 mean it has been two years since any City player has worn that iconic number. If Guardiola is looking for a high-profile attacking player, the number seven might be an appealing factor. Numbers 12-15 are available, along with David Silva’s old number 21, as well as numbers 22, 28, 29, 30, and many others above that. Additionally, there is an ideal number for a holding midfielder that is currently unassigned since Kalvin Phillips, who is under contract, is loaned to Ipswich. While it’s not common, clubs occasionally reassign the squad numbers of loaned players to new signings. They didn’t do it for Cancelo, and assigning Phillips’ number to someone else would effectively end his time at City. However, the likelihood of Phillips reviving his career at the Etihad seems very slim, especially since he couldn’t secure a midfield position during the summer when City relied heavily on academy players. He concluded the tour playing as a centre-back before moving to Ipswich on loan. Phillips surprisingly has a contract with City that runs until 2028, which makes the choice to remove his number more precarious. He has had his opportunity to address the holding midfield issue, and if new players come in, he will see someone else advance beyond him. Possibly wearing his number.
