With the closure of the January transfer window, Manchester City is set to make adjustments to their Premier League squad by removing two players.
Despite a relatively quiet month in terms of new signings, City did secure the services of Claudio Echeverri from River Plate, but he will continue to be loaned to the Argentine club until the conclusion of 2024.
In line with Pep Guardiola’s approach, January has seen more focus on potential departures, and two significant exits have been confirmed. The first departure is reserve goalkeeper Zack Steffen, who struggled during his time with the Blues and has now signed a permanent contract with MLS team Colorado Rapids.
Steffen’s challenging stint included a loan to Middlesbrough last season, and with Ederson as the preferred choice, his departure aligns with City’s restructuring plans. The second exit occurred towards the end of the transfer window, as Kalvin Phillips, formerly of Leeds United, departed City on loan.
Phillips, who faced challenges in breaking into the first team, found competition in Rodri for the defensive midfield position. While City agreed to loan the England international to West Ham, discussions regarding a permanent move in the summer did not materialize.
These decisions leave City with a reduced squad size as they submit their Premier League roster this month. MEN Sport estimates that 18 players will be enrolled for the second half of the season, which is seven fewer than the authorized limit of 25 players.
Notably, U21 players such as Josko Gvardiol, Oscar Bobb, and Rico Lewis are not included in this count. As City finalizes their squad list, adjustments reflect the club’s strategic decisions to streamline the roster and potentially create opportunities for emerging talent.
The coming months will reveal how these changes impact City’s performance in the Premier League as they navigate the challenges of the season.
