A summary of the most recent Premier League transfer developments, featuring updates from Newcastle United and Manchester City.

Halloween and Bonfire Night have concluded for another year, and for many individuals, attention now shifts to compiling their Christmas lists. However, for football managers across Europe, their attention is directed towards the forthcoming significant event in the calendar: the January transfer window.

The winter transfer window occurs midway through the Premier League season and can significantly influence a team’s campaign, determining their potential for success based on acquisitions or retention of players.

The January 2025 transfer window may be pivotal for Manchester City, as Pep Guardiola seeks a replacement for his midfield linchpin Rodri, who will be sidelined for the remainder of the season due to an ACL injury.

The Spanish international is regarded as the linchpin of Manchester City’s midfield, with his proficiency in regaining possession, executing ball control on the half turn, and initiating rapid attacks frequently serving as the impetus for his team’s achievements—both at the club level, where he secured a fourth consecutive league title, and at the international level, where he recently attained European champion status.

Rodri has recently been the first Spanish footballer to win the Ballon d’Or since Luis Suarez in 1960 and the third to receive the honor while playing in the Premier League, following Michael Owen (2001) and Cristiano Ronaldo (2008).

When he participates, Manchester City generally achieves a victory rate of 74%, however in his absence, this rate declines by around 10%.

Rodri sustained an injury during Manchester City’s recent draw with Arsenal, and in recent weeks, vulnerabilities in the midfield have become apparent, as the champions have suffered three straight defeats across all competitions, including a significant 4-1 loss to Sporting in the Champions League.

Bernardo Silva stated after last week’s match that the team is in a dire situation, and according to I News, Pep Guardiola is seeking to elevate his team from obscurity by pursuing Brazilian defensive midfielder Ederson, who has exhibited exceptional performance for Italian club Atalanta in recent years.

It is reported that Manchester City is prepared to invest significantly in the 25-year-old, who recently contributed to Atalanta’s success in the Europa League with a series of outstanding performances.

The 3AM verdict: This pertains to Sergio Busquets at Barcelona, Joshua Kimmich and Phillip Lahm at Bayern Munich, or Fernandinho and Rodri at Manchester City. Pep Guardiola’s teams typically excel when a premier defensive midfielder orchestrates play.

Since joining Atalanta in 2022, Ederson has demonstrated the capability to fulfill the role more effectively than Ilkay Gundogan and Mateo Kovacic, who are both better suited to advanced positions at this juncture of their careers.

Newcastle United strategizes a £50 million acquisition of a Premier League winger.

Newcastle United was one of the premier attacking teams in the Premier League last season, scoring 85 goals, surpassing even Kevin Keegan’s ‘entertainers’ of 1996.

This season, the Magpies have scored only 10 goals in their first 10 matches, which is 17 fewer than at the same point last season.

Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes have contributed goals and assists from the left flank of the front three, while Alexander Isak, after a sluggish beginning due to a fractured toe, is now regaining his optimal form with three goals in his last three matches.

The focal point of scrutiny is the right flank of the attack, where both Jacob Murphy and Miguel Almiron have yet to find the net.

The absence of output has, understandably, prompted speculation connecting Newcastle United with various right wingers. However, the name that has notably diminished in recent discussions is Bryan Mbeumo. According to The Athletic, he was part of a three-man shortlist of players the club considered, alongside Anthony Elanga of Nottingham Forest and Michael Olise, who ultimately transferred to Bayern Munich.