Pep Guardiola’s Secret Weapon: Which England Stars Could Transform Man City’s Title Bid?

Manchester City cruised to a slick 2-0 win at Newcastle to kick off their EFL Cup semi-final journey, yet beneath that dazzling display, there’s an unmistakable tension brewing at the Etihad. As we leap into 2026, the Sky Blues find themselves grappling with a trio of frustrating draws that have thrown a wrench into their Premier League title ambitions. Sitting a hefty six points behind a blistering Arsenal, the challenge to reclaim their crown is no small feat—Pep Guardiola knows this well. No surprise then, that the January window is buzzing with talk of fresh reinforcements. Antoine Semenyo’s £65 million arrival from Bournemouth has already injected some much-needed spark, but the quest for excellence doesn’t stop there. Amid whispers of potential departures like Omar Marmoush and Savinho, Man City’s radar is locked onto two rising England internationals, signaling a calculated push to solidify the squad with homegrown talent. The chase for supremacy is heating up, and City’s moves this month could very well define their 2026 season. LEARN MORE

While Manchester City might have got their EFL Cup semi-final adventure underway with an eye-catching 2-0 victory away at Newcastle on Tuesday night, Pep Guardiola’s men have a real battle on their hands in the race to recapture their top-flight crown in 2026. 

Getting the New Year underway with three consecutive Premier League stalemates, the Sky Blues have watched their domestic title dreams take a major blow over the past fortnight.

Sat six points adrift of runaway leaders Arsenal and now face a major uphill battle in the race to reclaim their Premier League crown, Guardiola is expected to once again be heavily banked during the January transfer window.

Watching new recruit Antoine Semenyo make an immediate impact after completing a reported £65million from Bournemouth last week, City are eyeing even more Premier League superstars.

While there might be continued speculation that the likes of Omar Marmoush and Brazilian ace Savinho could be set for speedy exits from the Etihad, it has been reported that the Man City hierarchy are closely monitoring a pair of England internationals this month.

Elliot Anderson – Nottingham Forest

While Elliot Anderson might bid an emotional goodbye to boyhood club Newcastle just 18 months ago, the 23-year-old has only seen his profile skyrocket since arriving at the City Ground back in the summer of 2024.

Putting pen to paper on a five-year deal and playing a leading role as Nottingham Forest secured an iconic European ticket last season, Anderson finds his stock at a red-hot high.

Officially making his senior England debut during the Three Lions’ 2-0 win against Andorra back in September, the ex-Newcastle youngster has since earned six caps and has received a string of plaudits from Thomas Tuchel over the past few months.

Now sat in the driving seat to book a World Cup ticket to North America this summer, Anderson has quickly blossomed into one of the Premier League’s most exciting midfield stars.

Featuring in all 21 of Nottingham Forest’s Premier League appearances this season, some have even billed the one-time Bristol Rovers loanee as a genuine PFA Young Player of the Year candidate in 2026.

Alongside reportedly attracting from the likes of Chelsea, TEAMtalk suggested on Tuesday that Guardiola has identified Anderson as his key midfield target and is seen as a perfect long-term replacement for midfield talisman Rodri.

🚨 BREAKING: Man City are preparing a strong push for the signature of Elliot Anderson, having already made contact over a ‘big-money deal’ of the midfielder.

[@TEAMtalk] pic.twitter.com/uJXz2SiJAS

— Mcfc_Galaxy (@McfcGalaxy1894) January 12, 2026

Marc Guehi – Crystal Palace

With it appearing almost a certainty over the summer that Marc Guehi would eventually complete a blockbuster move to Merseyside, the footballing world was left stunned as his move to Liverpool fell through on Deadline Day.

Undergoing a medical behind the scenes and already agreeing on a long-term deal with the reigning Premier League champions, all parties were left furious when a deal dramatically fell apart at the eleventh hour.

Eventually forced to stay put at Selhurst Park, it is no secret that Guehi will finally get his move away from south London this summer.

Making it abundantly clear that he will not be putting pen to paper on any kind of contract extension with Crystal Palace, the Eagles’ skipper certainly isn’t short of heavyweight options over the coming months.

However, despite recent links to runway leaders Arsenal, Manchester City remains a huge admirer of the England international and Sky Sports reported over the weekend that Guardiola’s side have made their intentions clear.

With Palace boss Oliver Glasner firmly leaving the door open to Guehi’s long-awaited exit from Selhurst Park this month, it has also been suggested that the 25-year-old is open on a potential move to Manchester.

Manchester City prepared to make a January bid for Marc Guehi. Talks have taken place in the last few days with Crystal Palace.#MCFC hoping Crystal Palace’s £35m+ asking price drops as the window progresses. Although Palace are open to a sale on the right terms, the high asking… pic.twitter.com/wzJc7nl8Sy

— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) January 13, 2026