Traditionally, Manchester City tend not to go hell for leather in the January transfer window.
This season may be slightly different, however, as Ferran Torres completes his move to Barcelona at the start of 2022.
Whether City choose to replace him this month, or rely on the quality already in their ranks, remains to be seen. But with the window opening, it poses an opportunity for City to look for potential cut-price deals mid-season.
Sergio Aguero departed the Etihad in the summer after his contract expired and the Blues could follow a similar path and capitalise on a bargain option.
Here, the MEN have taken a look at three players that City could snap up in January on the cheap, ahead of the conclusion of their contracts in the summer.
Boubacar Kamara
With Fernandinho edging towards the twilight of his career, the Blues could take the opportunity to bolster their midfield ranks.
A player in demand around Europe is Frenchman Boubacar Kamara.
The Marseille defensive midfielder is set to be a free agent in the summer, unless he signs a new contract, and he could be a perfect replacement in the middle of the pitch for Fernandinho.
Pep Guardiola loves to rotate in midfield and would no doubt love another option.
Kylian Mbappe
Is there a better opportunity to capitalise on a breakdown in negotiations than when it involves a superstar 23-year-old World Cup winner? This summer could be the perfect opportunity for the Blues to attract the French superstar, Kylian Mbappe.
Real Madrid have been fiercely linked with his services and appear the most likely next destination for Mbappe.
Prising him away from the Parc des Princes this winter appears unlikely, but not impossible if PSG want to cut their losses and get a transfer fee of some sort.
City have been repeatedly linked with strikers since Aguero's exit last summer and Mbappe would be an ideal replacement.
Antonio Rudiger
Although the Blues have great depth in the centre-back region, the opportunity to sign the Chelsea star would be difficult one to pass up.
The German defender has become an established central defender, going from strength to strength under Thomas Tuchel.
He also fits the bill for City as a ball-playing defender with his ability to progressively bring possession out of defence into midfield — perfect for City trying to break down a low block.
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