Man City defensive tweaks and quadruple chase
Rayan Cherki enjoyed a brief Lyon visit during City’s three-day break. The £34m midfielder has 9 goals and 9 assists in 33 games and is set to start vs Newcastle as City chase four trophies.
City plan a summer ‘strong push’ for Newcastle right-back Valentino Livramento, tracked for months. Newcastle want a new deal, but the 23-year-old is in no rush to commit.
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Claudio Echeverri ended a difficult Leverkusen loan, joined Girona in January and featured in a 2-1 win at Barcelona. He says he had a ‘really hard time’ and wants to regain the form that earned his City move.
City shifted Nico O’Reilly to left-back after early 2025 defeats, with plans to move him into midfield in 2025-26. With Rodri back and Ait-Nouri fit, he is now rotating, expected to start v Newcastle.
Abdukodir Khusanov, signed for £33.5m, has impressed across defence and prefers centre-back. Despite competition from Dias, Gvardiol and others, he is tipped to play a key role for City next season.
City and Arsenal remain in contention on four fronts, meet in the Carabao Cup final on 22 March and face at the Etihad on 18 April. It is the first time two English clubs chase a quadruple into March.
Emmanuel Petit claims Xabi Alonso would choose Liverpool over City if both jobs opened, citing his Anfield connection and likening it to Arteta’s Arsenal move from City.
City loanee Vitor Reis starred in Girona’s 2-1 win at Barcelona, hailed ‘imperial’ and LaLiga U23 player of January. Media urge Guardiola to use the 19-year-old centre-back next season.
Back-up keeper James Trafford is hurt by his lack of Premier League minutes after Donnarumma’s arrival. He considered a January exit but stayed as Guardiola wants cover for a four-trophy push.
