So far this season it has been Erling Haaland or bust for Manchester City in the final third. If Haaland doesn't score City look bereft of options up front. A new report indicates that Hugo Viana is keen to bring Viktor Gyökeres to the club next summer. That move has merit. But for me, the world champions need another striker in January. They can't afford to wait until next summer to find support for Haaland in my opinion.
Simon Mullock has reported for the Mirror that Manchester City are set to rival Manchester United next summer to sign Sporting CP's prolific striker Viktor Gyökeres. Furthermore, Mullock reports that Manchester United have made the Swedish international their top transfer target. Mullock adds that Ruben Amorim is keen to bring the striker to Old Trafford. However, according to Mullock's report, Hugo Viana is keen to bring Viktor Gyökeres to the Etihad. Mullock adds that Manchester City are eager to sign another striker to provide support for Erling Haaland.
There is no doubt that adding a player like Viktor Gyökeres would immediately strengthen Manchester City's options in the final third. Besides Erling Haaland the world champions lack a consistent threat in the final third. It's Haaland or bust for Pep Guardiola's side at the moment. As reported previously I believe there is merit in Manchester City pairing Viktor Gyökeres with Erling Haaland up front. It is included in Mullock's report that the Swedish striker would seek assurances from Manchester City that he wouldn't solely be signed as a back up to Haaland if he were to sign for the world champions.
Manchester City's interest in Viktor Gyökeres makes sense. There is no doubt that he would fill a void in City's squad. But I don't believe that Manchester City can afford to not buy a striker in January. Their overreliance on Erling Haaland is clear to see. I don't doubt that Haaland isn't up for the job, but he can't be expected to carry the entire goal-scoring burden for Pep Guardiola's side for the remainder of this season. After selling Julian Alvarez to Atletico Madrid last summer the decision not to sign a replacement appears to be costing Pep Guardiola's side. Based on this I feel City must sign another striker in January.
But a player like Viktor Gyökeres wouldn't likely be available in January. So who City could target remains to be seen. But it is a void that needs filling now, not in six months time. That is apparent the more you watch Manchester City play. There is merit in City moving for Gyökeres. Gyökeres is a world class striker. But can City afford to wait until next summer to sign a striker? I don't believe so and that may change the equation.