Pep Guardiola issues hidden transfer message to Manchester City amid concern in one position

Manchester City’s recruitment staff may have indirectly received a message from Pep Guardiola over strengthening one position in the upcoming January market.

With emotions still high after City’s chaotic 5-4 victory over Fulham at Craven Cottage, Guardiola’s post-match reflections extended beyond the goals and defensive turbulence, subtly shifting toward squad construction and a specific department that has become increasingly fragile this season.

Rodri’s intermittent fitness, Mateo Kovacic’s ongoing absence, and the relentless scheduling have placed a strain on Manchester City’s midfield structure – an issue Pep Guardiola hinted may need addressing before the second half of the campaign.

City’s dramatic win featured landmark contributions as Erling Haaland became the fastest player in Premier League history to reach 100 goals, Phil Foden continued his sparkling form, and the Etihad side edging closer to Arsenal in the title race.

Yet despite attacking brilliance on display, Fulham’s late surge exposed vulnerabilities created by the lack of natural cover in the deepest midfield role – a position that has long served as the backbone of Guardiola’s system.

That problem was highlighted even further during Tuesday night’s match, where City were forced to restructure and lean heavily on figures typically more advanced or defensive. Fulham took full advantage, dragging City into a frantic final stretch that threatened to undo their earlier control and leave Guardiola visibly exasperated.

Speaking with reporters after the contest at Craven Cottage, Pep Guardiola spoke openly about the difficulties of rotating in the defensive midfield position given the ongoing injury concerns in the role.

“Rodri will be back soon, but [Mateo] Kovacic will be long, and we don’t have anyone [aside from Nico Gonzalez]. Today we proved it,” Guardiola admitted.

He continued, “We have to think about it, maybe Nico O’Reilly can play there [in defensive midfield], Rayan Ait-Nouri or Nathan [Ake] can [then] play at left-back. We don’t have [alternatives].

“Tijjani [Reijnders] is more attacking positions. His position is the goal he scored, in the pockets and his movements are unstoppable – he’s really good! We have to find something.”

One reporter also questioned Pep Guardiola on his decision to leave Oscar Bobb out of the Manchester City matchday squad for the second consecutive match, to which he responded, “My decision.

“Tell me which one I have to leave out? That’s why – if you don’t tell me, I won’t tell you. I have to leave one and it was Oscar.”

Guardiola’s comments will inevitably trigger internal discussion at the Etihad, and while the club traditionally resist mid-season signings unless the right profile becomes available, the manager’s transparency suggests they may need to adjust their approach.

The defensive midfield role has long been the most specialised position in Pep Guardiola’s structure, and the lack of depth has already forced tactical compromises during several key matches.

A temporary solution from within the squad seems feasible, but far from ideal. Much may depend on Rodri’s condition over the coming weeks and how quickly Kovacic progresses in his rehabilitation as the business end of the campaign approaches.

If either setback extends into January, the recruitment team may find themselves under increased pressure to secure reinforcement. For now, City move forward with momentum after a dramatic victory, but Guardiola’s message was clear over his side not being able to afford being light in the defensive midfield ranks.