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The January Transfer Window and 2025 recap - are we back?
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Episode 66, Daily Manchester City - Jack and Keelin sit down to recap their flying start to 2025 and the incredibly busy January transfer window so far.
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Transcript
Podcast Introduction
00:00:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hello and welcome to Manchester City Daily, brought to you by the Global Sports Podcast Network, the only place you can get your daily news and updates from every Premier League team every single day. Now, it's been a little bit of a minute. We've been resting and relaxing over the Christmas and New Year break, but you are finding yourself in the blue side of Manchester today. So if you are a fan of Pep's tricky blues, then you're in the right place.
Guest Introduction: Keelan McNamara
00:00:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
It's always my pleasure to say that joining me today is the founding member member of the Urie Tealiman's Fan Club, our friend from across the pond, Keelan McNamara. How are you doing, mate?
00:00:44
Keelin
Jack, I am good. The Urie Taylormans fan club is gathering steam. We want this move in the summer. We need those through balls in my life. And all in all, things are good, mate. It's great to be back.
00:00:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
How many?
00:00:55
Keelin
Like you said, it has been a minute or two, but we are back in East Manchester, at least in spirit. It's good to be here.
00:01:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, ready to start 2025. How many members are you are you getting now in the European Women's Farm Club? Any other takers or is it just you at the moment?
00:01:09
Keelin
I'll admit, it's just me at the moment. i I kind of get laughed up by all the other boys when I put my year 18 of these fan membership forward. But we move, you know. Well, I'm telling you, come this summer, cheeky little number eight signing.
00:01:22
Keelin
That's what I'm saying.
00:01:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
Listen, you're flying the flag um alone at the minute, but you're flying it proudly and bravely.
00:01:27
Keelin
Indeed.
00:01:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
I admire that for you.
Manchester City's Explosive Start in 2025
00:01:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
Listen, we've got so, so much to catch up on.
00:01:29
Keelin
Indeed.
00:01:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
We've had a bit of an absolutely flying start to 2025, which is not what you were expecting us to say here at Manchester City Daily.
00:01:32
Keelin
off
00:01:35
Keelin
but
00:01:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
So lots and lots to talk into. We're also going to so touch a little bit upon the January transfer window, which as of the time of recording is still currently open.
00:01:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
So any deals that might not be mentioned in this pod, haven't mermaid at this point, but we'll cover as much as we can. and But first and foremost, let's get into Manchester City's flying start to 2025. Keeling, we've scored 20 goals in the first four games of 2025. What on earth has happened there? Where has it come from? And what what is going on with Manchester City?
00:02:16
Keelin
Well, I think, Jack, since our hibernation of embarrassment since last time we spoke to the people, and it would appear that Man City have become so embarrassed by how bad things have been that they've decided to just retaliate against everybody else they face. And and I absolutely love that attitude. Let's go out and let's annihilate everybody that stands in front of us. you know We've had some dark moments this year, let's be honest. i mean Look at how bad Tottenham are. We lost 4-0 to that. Ruben Ammerim is claiming he's managing the worst Manchester United has ever been. We lost to that. Now it's time for revenge, Jack, and now it's time to cut down everything that stands in our way. When Rodri comes back, it is over for all of you, I swear to God. you know
00:03:04
Keelin
You can laugh, you can have your little moments. Yeah, man, say you don't have a midfield. Blah, blah, blah. We don't have a defense either. Very funny.
00:03:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:03:11
Keelin
But I swear to God, when Roger is back and we get Omar Marmouche, Kustinov, Vitor Reyes. Oh my God,
Victory Against West Ham: Analysis
00:03:19
Keelin
we are going to cook. We have Erling Holland for the next 10 years of his life.
00:03:23
Keelin
Oh, Jack, it is going to be glorious.
00:03:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
It's looking good at the moment. Of course, we'll touch upon Erwin Harlan's massive, massive contract renewal at Manchester City. But let's start with ah the game that kind of reignited our year, the first game of 2025. That was a at home to West Ham, a game we won 4-1.
00:03:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
Now, you might be mistaken in thinking that that was a very one-sided game. It was not at all. I was at that game and within the first 20 minutes, we could have been 3-1 down. I don't know if you remember it. It was a little bit far back now, Keeling, but we were getting peppered early on. A lot of chances going West Ham's way. What did you make of that first half if you can stretch your mind back that far?
00:04:05
Keelin
No listen I can absolutely remember it and like you said it was a very very tough first half you know. we're we We like West Ham anyway, so I'm never going to disparage them. But they were really good in that first half. They really took it to City like most teams have this season with Rodri being gone. And the truth is, when you don't have a fully functioning midfield, you are always going to be scared of whatever's running at you.
00:04:30
Keelin
And to be fair, when you have talent like Jared Bowen and Mohamed Koudis, which West Ham do you have, they present a lot of challenges. And when you have no midfield to stop them playing through midfield, they're able to supply their best players and they're able to supply their attacking threat. And every time Koudis and Bowen ran at City's defence, it looked like Vardyol was going to concede another goal. Thankfully, somehow it didn't happen, but we were on the ropes in that first half, no doubt about it.
00:04:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, and Boeing was actually out for that match. think You're probably thinking of Somerville, who was ah who was a massive threat even in that first half.
00:05:04
Keelin
Remember, vote apologies throughout smoking rights.
00:05:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. But having said that, if Bowen had played that first half, we probably would have found ourselves about two or three down in the first half because they were just lacking someone a little bit more clinical, for whatever reason, Mohamed Kudus wasn't at the races that day, although he was creating threat after threat. ah But what we did say is that the week before, Savino got his first Manchester City goal. And we all kind of share this sentiment that as soon as he got that first one, because of the performances that he were putting in, the quality that he was playing at,
00:05:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
Once he got that first goal, they would start to roll in. We saw that the next week against West Ham. ah he He didn't get the goal, he didn't get credited with the goal because it took a wicked deflection off Q-file. But he absolutely ran the show against West Ham.
00:05:47
Global Sports Podcast Network
I mean, that second goal for Harlan's first.
00:05:49
Keelin
Oh.
00:05:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
I mean, what a massively deep looping cross to the back post after completely skinning Q-file. It was a phenomenal goal, phenomenal assist, phenomenal performance because he played the Q-ball for Harlan's second.
00:06:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
turn creator again and played a nice little knee through ball after gliding through that midfield. It
Savinho's Rising Star in 2025
00:06:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
was a joy to watch. I mean, Keelan, how impressed with you. ah Have you been so far with Savio's start to 2025?
00:06:18
Keelin
Oh massively Jack and there's been big parts of this season not just this new year but even last year. There's been big parts of the season where Savino has looked like our best attacking player you know up until very recently although thankfully it's not the case anymore. Holland's been missing for large parts of the season, Doc who's been very ineffective, Grealish we know the troubles and struggles Grealish is having on and off the pitch.
00:06:43
Keelin
um And truthfully, Savino has, to his credit, stood up and been counted. And he's rounded players. He's provided that direct threat that we've so badly been lacking. And like you said, you made an excellent point.
00:06:56
Keelin
Holland's first goal against West Ham, that was one of the best crosses I've seen the city player put in in the last two years.
00:07:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
Unbelievable.
00:07:03
Keelin
It was absolutely a thing of beauty. You know, just deep enough for the keeper to commit, but not so deep that Holland can't get to it. Kevin De Bruyne would have been proud of that cross to be honest if he'd have put that in.
00:07:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. I mean, nolan Harlan didn't have to move. He literally just had to nod it in, and it was literally on his head like it it was incredible.
00:07:23
Keelin
And that's the sign of a great cross, all you have to do as a striker is be there, the ball's gonna come to you, all you gotta do is take care of the rest. And to be honest, in many ways, I was more impressed with the second assist than I was the first.
00:07:36
Global Sports Podcast Network
Oh, yeah.
00:07:37
Keelin
Because ah that is the kind of past Kevin De Bruyne plays. That's the kind of past David Silva plays. We've never really seen, apart from Riad Mares, a Man City winger play that really good in behind ball.
00:07:50
Keelin
I just think there is so much potential with Savino. I don't think we've even begun to scratch the surface of what he could do.
00:07:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, absolutely. I mean, you mentioned Riad Mahrez, his name there, and it's got me feeling a little bit sad and a little bit nostalgic.
00:08:01
Keelin
Well.
00:08:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
I miss that man so much.
00:08:03
Keelin
Well.
00:08:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
He's a beautiful, beautiful human. But you know what, Savio, wearing the number 26, he said he's reminding you of Mares without pass. We could be seeing a little bit of a light for light region there. and What we could only wish that e he comes to be as half as successful as Real Mares was at City, and he'd be a fantastic addition. Of course, only 30 million in the summer, part of our, one of our lowest spending summers in recent record, you know, less than Birmingham City last year. so we'll get on to a little bit about how we've been moving in this January transfer window but for all the criticism that we're getting I think we deserve to to have that chance to spend all that money that we've saved for for whatever reason ah but listen that wasn't the only game in that run that we started to absolutely walk all over our opponents because the very next game was the FA Cup third round against Salford where City fielded a very very changed lineup
00:08:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
players like Divine Mabama, Doc Ewell back in the squad at that point, also gave Grealish a run-out, but also young players like Simpson-Pusey, Nico O'Reilly, and James Mackity starting the game. Now this was a game which I thought would probably struggle because the amount of changes that we had in that squad, ah I feel like none of them had a proper run-out and it was going to be a little bit of an experimental one.
00:09:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
killing, that was not the case at all.
FA Cup Triumph Against Salford
00:09:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
8-0, what do you remember of that game and what do you make of it? Because for me, that could not have gone any better really. and
00:09:30
Keelin
I have six words from that game. James Mcity, Nico O'Reilly.
00:09:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
Oh, unbelievable.
00:09:35
Keelin
Those are the six words. And Jack, I'm gonna give you your credit here because as I am a member of the Urie Telemans fan club from day one, you have been the sole member of the Nico O'Reilly fan club.
00:09:48
Keelin
And I need you to take a moment to take your round of applause because you have said from preseason, Nico, this boy has got something. He's got an Irish surname. He's got an English first name.
00:10:00
Keelin
This kid is destined to be a number six in the city team. I swear to God.
00:10:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:10:04
Keelin
And listen, he's only a really young kid. I don't expect him to be the ready-made product. And yes, he takes a couple of touches too many. But the defensive awareness and the speed and the power Nico Riley has there is so much um on top potential there. And James Maggoty, I don't really need to say anything. This kid should this kid deserves to be starting Premier League games for Man City.
00:10:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, of course, just touching on mini Nico O'Reilly there, started the game and played for the most part at left back and was just so impressive. Like I was a bit worried seeing him play out of position there, but he literally, for me, he was my man in the match.
00:10:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
Of course, James McAfee was going to grab the headlines, got a phenomenal second a half hat trick and completely deserved it.
00:10:41
Keelin
yeah
00:10:47
Global Sports Podcast Network
and But he was a little bit quiet in the first half, whereas Nico O'Reilly, from minute one to minute 90, completely bossed this fixture for me. Didn't let Salford get a sniff down that right hand side. Ended up getting a really well taken goal. He was so, so impressive for me, but I mean, that was a kind of, the the term gets thrown around a little bit around football discourse, but that wasn't everybody eats type of game. Everybody got their piece of pie against Salford. Unfortunately for them, they brought a massive massive crowd with them. I was at that game and they had the whole of the top section of the family stand all as away fans instead of the usual allocation. I think they brought around 9,000 or 10,000 or something like that. It was impressive turnout for Salford. Half of that crowd was just Manchester United fans looking to maybe see us slip up.
00:11:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
I cannot tell you how beautiful it was to see and half of the allocation being United fans watching us. Pepper Salford, 8-0. It was absolutely brilliant. and But another player in that game that kind of got a little bit of glory, and I was pretty impressed with him.
00:11:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
and He's got a lot to improve on in many parts of his game. But Divine Mavama, first star for City. I think it was his first appearance for City's first team.
00:11:59
Keelin
Mm
00:12:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
Full stop.
00:12:02
Keelin
hmm.
00:12:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
One of the few players that has come through to the first team that's actually kind of struggled in the EDS, been pretty scarce on the goals. The last year, of course, we signed him from West Ham, but he started this game and I was pretty impressed with him. His touch was shockingly bad the entire game, but the physical battles that he was putting up against the centre halves and down the channels, always asking for the ball. I was really impressed with him. What did you make of his performance?
00:12:30
Keelin
he's an absolute Benjani region, and that's what we're here for.
00:12:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:12:35
Keelin
Now, listen, Divine Obama, and very impressed. and Like you said, very much a rough diamond, a lot of rough parts around the edges. But at the same time, there is a lot of potential.
00:12:47
Keelin
And this is a word I use a lot when describing City's recent games. There is a lot of potential there. Very strong, very powerful runner, very eager player as well.
00:12:58
Keelin
Very often you see a lot of number nines who don't want to be involved in the build up. Credit to Divin Obama, he always wanted to be involved, he always wanted the ball, he always wanted to break off and play the pass and try and get him behind. And that kind of eagerness and that sort of willingness to get involved is always a very positive thing for me to see because, especially with young players, very often they they can let an occasion get to them and they don't want to be as involved because they're scared of making a mistake.
00:13:25
Keelin
I have to admit that bravery and that willingness to try and get involved in the game, that was a real positive for me and I was very happy to see that. Now, if I'm being realistic and if I'm being honest, is Devin Mabama gonna be a backup to Erling Holland in the City team? Probably not, but I think like with a lot of City players, if he can get that Premier League exposure, he could be a real asset for another team and hopefully City might get a good amount of money for him.
00:13:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
You mentioned a a trait there, which for me is the most important trait that I look for in these young players coming through the ranks or that are coming into City from other teams. And that is being brave on the ball and off the ball and just wanting in it, wanting the ball when they've not got it. And for me, that's what separates someone like perhaps Divine Mabama and someone who's featured a little bit for City this season in Jemai Simpson-Pusey.
00:14:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah watching that soulful game, he just seemed like a little bit too nervous for me. It's like he didn't want the ball because he was scared of making a mistake with the pass when he got it. And that, to me, is what separates the plays that aren't going to make it to the plays that are going to make it. So there's a little bit difference there. That's the one thing I look for. And that's not to say that Jeremiah Simpson-Pusey isn't a phenomenally talented player. He is. And he has got absolutely other future in football. But whether that's at City, I'm not so sure.
Defensive Challenges Against Brentford
00:14:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
and But the week after that, we played Brentford at Brentford. And me and you, Keelan, have a little bit of a different opinion on this game, because for me,
00:14:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
I was disappointed with the ending and I was very annoyed after the full-time whistle went, but ultimately I was quite impressed with the performance, whereas you saw that as the typical city of the recent weeks in terms of that mentality bottling. Talk us through that game. Of course, we went tuning it up and then we conceded two late goals. Massively disappointed. What were your immediate reactions?
00:15:23
Keelin
So my my immediate reaction was twofold, and given the time we've had to think about it, I have had a lot of time to sort of form a more well-rounded opinion on it, shall we say. The first part of the opinion was so impressed with Phil Foden, as always, just an absolute gem in the crown of Man City, you know, always taking on the responsibility, always seems to come up with a real game-changing moment or two, even when he's not playing that well.
00:15:52
Keelin
He has this innate ability to drive Man City forward and change the game for City. He does remind me a lot of a David Silva in that way where he he's just got this game changing X factor about him and that's why I love him so much.
00:16:09
Keelin
worm where I differ from you was um I saw this defensive capitulating again and where my real problem is it all stems back to the summer and the transfer window and I think in mid we know the midfield problems but especially at the back city are too weak they're too physically weak and they're too defensively mentally weak there's too much unwillingness to get stuck in and really put
00:16:41
Keelin
we'll get onto this in a bit, Ruben Diaz, lifesaver having him back. But when I look at Yasco Vardial and I look at Manuel Acangi, I see an unwillingness to just sort of stick your head in there and really put the ball off the line and really try and protect the lead. You know, Acangi got done for the first goal and Vardial got completely out jumped for the second goal. And Stefan Ortega did not cover himself in glory for the equaliser for Brentford, it was pretty much right down the centre.
00:17:11
Keelin
and he basically panned it into the side of the goal. That wasn't great either. But my problem is, and to be fair to Pep Guardiola, he did allude to this after the game. There is, I think when Rodri is not there, there is a genuine fear with Man City's players that they cannot hold on to the ball and win the ball back. And there's this sort of, oh my god, Rodri's not in the pitch, how the hell are we gonna hang on to this lead? And they overthink it and they blow it, which is what they did against Brentford.
00:17:40
Keelin
But the defence let me down massively and el I hate saying this because I hold him in such a high regard. Ilkay Gundogan let me down massively because that game changed when he came on and he just was not able to get stuck in. He gave the ball away two or three times and at least one of the goals you could fault him for.
00:18:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
You know what? I was going to touch upon that game. I think you've pretty much hit every nail on the head completely perfectly. You made some great points about we've still got that defensive frailty.
00:18:12
Keelin
Yes.
00:18:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
It's like we don't know that we're the best team in the world anymore. We don't believe that.
00:18:16
Keelin
Exactly.
00:18:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
We don't think that. And even with the crop of players, the quality, if you look at the start of the season, you know, particularly the opening day against Chelsea, we played that game without Rodry. but we didn't play that game like we didn't have Roger if you know what I mean the mentality wasn't there but now that we've actually lost him out for the season it's like you know everyone's alarm bells are ringing what are we gonna do we've we've got no Roger and I do feel like that mentality like you mentioned there is still creeping in a little bit
00:18:28
Keelin
100%.
00:18:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
But it is certainly improving now and we won't touch upon the Ipswich game because the boys are going to be covering that tomorrow on tomorrow's podcast. So make sure you listen out for that. ah But Gundogan was much much improved in that game and in the game that we had a little bit more control and it felt a little bit more like a city game.
00:19:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
But in terms of the Brentford game, I completely agree. Certain defensive frailties, although what I will say is Kevin De Bruyne looks so much better.
00:19:12
Keelin
Oh.
00:19:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
So fit. So I can't believe there were people trying to tell me that he's getting past it now and he's not going to be the same player. Make no mistake about it. Kevin De Bruyne could be 38 years old, 39 years old. He will still be able to pull out performances like that. you know I was i was a heavily critical of him and his recovery at the start of the season. I take it all back. He's proved me wrong. And I did not want to rush him back.
00:19:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
in hindsight he's come back now and he's come back fantastically well it was slow it was painful yes because we were going through such a bad period of results but he's back now and he looks so so sharp but listen we're not going to cover the Ipswich game like we mentioned but we are going to talk a little bit about our January transfer window because we have been busy But listen, it's been a fantastic 2025 for Citi so far and stick around after these words from our sponsors to hear about what we're going on to in the January transfer window.
00:20:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hello and welcome back, Keelan McNamara.
January Transfer Window Highlights
00:20:43
Global Sports Podcast Network
The January transfer window is open. It is a wonderful time to be a Manchester City fan. At the current time of recording, Abdukadir Kousinov has just been announced as a Manchester City player for a deal of around £33.2 million pounds plus add-ons from RC Lens in League Un, the first Uzbekistan player to play in the Premier League. I'm excited for this one. Do you feel like there's something about this sign in you? You know, when you've got players who are not necessarily super high profile from these small, independent nations, feel like it feels like they've got the weight of that nation on their back and it just feels like they're destined to do well. I don't know, I've got a different feeling about this sign in. What are your thoughts?
00:21:29
Keelin
I'm going to be honest, Jack, I really, really like this signing, not necessarily for the geopolitical reasons you think, but and i i' tell I'm actually going to tell you really why I like the signing of Kucinov, Abdukadir Kucinov.
00:21:44
Keelin
That's going to roll off the tongue in years to come.
00:21:45
Global Sports Podcast Network
It is, yeah. I'm surprised they got it right first time to be honest.
00:21:50
Keelin
Yeah, usually we mess up simpler names, so that's already a good sign. I'm going to tell you one reason I really like Abdukhatir Khusinov. Aggression.
00:22:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
Oh.
00:22:00
Keelin
This is not a typical Pep Guardiola defender. Usually the Pep Guardiola defender is a John Stones or a Yasco Vardial.
00:22:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
Not at all.
00:22:11
Keelin
More of a Rolls Royce defender who makes tidy tackles and can play the ball and all this kind of stuff. This is a Dodge Challenger of a defender. This is a Pitbull of a defender.
00:22:23
Keelin
And that's why ah what I think Pep Guardiola has actually realised with the Brentford game and with ah quite a few games this year is you need state in your back line. You can't just have a back line of Rolls Royces. You need strength and you need aggression and you need a willingness to get stuck in and put a man into the touch line along with the ball. You know, just classic footballing heritage. You need that from time to time.
00:22:47
Keelin
And after Khadir Khusinov, absolutely reminds me of that. And Jack, what does he remind you of?
00:22:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah He reminds me of when we signed Ruben Diaz, we just lost Vincent company and we were talking about the exact same thing.
00:22:57
Keelin
Yes, he does.
00:23:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
We've lost that steel in defense.
00:23:03
Keelin
Yes.
00:23:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
We are fantastically talented on the ball players, but everyone needs that great players who love to defend. And we brought him Ruben Diaz and not only was he a pure defender, just love to put his head where the ball was.
00:23:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
he also developed onto be a phenomenal on the ball technical footballer who could play brilliant passes and became a pet player it feels the exact same for me with this player here because he's massively physical like you mentioned loves so to play against the strongest center center forwards and just bodied him out of the way and just you know move you know i mean move out of the way get them on the ground because i feel like that's what he loves for having another player like that in the defense for me is pivotal because you don't only have to look at our awful run of fixtures.
00:23:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
What was one of the main problems in that run was we had no Ruben Diaz and it was so evident.
00:23:57
Keelin
Yeah.
00:23:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
and So for me having another player like that is going to be brilliant. Another player that we're bringing in, he was almost a carbon copy of that from what I've seen from him and that is very, very limited. A player that and we we don't really know a great deal about and because we rarely sign plays directly from the Brazilian league but Vitor Ries from ah Brazil for a deal around a similar price it's around 30 to 40 million euros 18 years old, this guy is coming straight into the first team, apparently ready straight away to play first team football. He seems like another defender that just loves to defend. I've seen some clips of him completely manic running ah ah center forward. He's one-on-one with a goalkeeper and making some last hit tackles. I'm excited for this one as well, but this is a signing that I know very little about. What about you?
00:24:52
Keelin
I'll be honest, Jack, I don't know much about him either. I'm not going to sit here and lie to the people, but I have been reading on some comparisons that have been made. And you're going to find this very interesting because the three comparisons don't match with each other at all.
00:25:06
Keelin
I'll show you why. The first comparison that's been made is to Marillo at Nottingham Forest. You know, this sort of crazy center back that will do 40 yard runs up to the halfway line and try and score from their own half.
00:25:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
Oh, oh yeah.
00:25:19
Keelin
Which I love by the way, I love a crazy defender, every team named one.
00:25:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:25:23
Keelin
But the other two comparisons are much more interesting and these are real Brazilian defensive royalty. Tiago Silva and Marquinhos.
00:25:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
Oh, oh yeah.
00:25:34
Keelin
Those are the comparisons I've been reading. And I think what you can read into that is a real leader of men. but also your typical Rolls Royce on the ball defender, someone who can put their head in and really put in a last ditch tackle, but who can also play out from the back, who can sweep the ball out wider through the middle as you need to. And I think what you can see from Pep Guardiola's perspective is, because another thing with Vitor Reyes is he can play anywhere across the back line and right back,
00:26:06
Keelin
He doesn't like playing left back, but I don't need him to play left back. I need Milos, Kirk, he's around Tony Robinson, different discussion. But you've got the Swiss Army Knife defender as well, which we know Pep Guardiola loves.
00:26:18
Keelin
He loves that defender that can play anywhere across the backline, like Nathan Aque, who I am also a fan club member of.
00:26:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
and
00:26:25
Keelin
But I think what you see with Guardiola is you see a real attempt to complement the backline. You've got the steal in Ruben Diaz, and you're adding steel in Kucinov. You've got Vitor Reyes, who's that Rolls-Royce type defender, but who can also compliment the solid center back. And depending on what I've heard, it could be a very, very good move. Like I said, I don't know as much about Vitor Reyes as I do about Kucinov, but if Sidi and Guardiola trust him, I don't see why I shouldn't.
00:26:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
you mentioned there that you can play right back. I think that's the big plan for him. I think it's to groom him into playing in that right back position, starting those games, because of course, we're not just getting a lot of players coming in in this January transfer window, but rumors and talks of finally departing with our longstanding captain, Kyle Walker, in the January transfer window to ah Syria team AC
Kyle Walker's Potential Move to AC Milan
00:27:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
Milan. What do you make of that transfer? What do you make of Kyle Walker's time here?
00:27:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
and what you make of him leaving in January.
00:27:32
Keelin
So there's quite a lot to unpack here because for historical context, for those of you who don't know, I know you touched on this already, Jack, Citi historically have not been a January team. They just aren't. But there's two important things to note here.
00:27:47
Keelin
The first is that Citi got one of their best centre-back Seinberg Laporte in January and he was our best defender for about 18 months a few years ago. The second thing is this, January has been so unique because Citi are in such a crisis that they're in and the club have responded in force and I've got to give them credit for that.
00:28:08
Keelin
With Kyle Walker, it's a very conflicting legacy for me because on the one hand, I think at his peak, he's the best right back English football's ever seen. I do believe that. I think of, you know, Kyle Walker two years ago was the only fullback I've ever seen who's pocketed Vinicius Jr. and pocketed the most dangerous left wingers in Europe.
00:28:34
Keelin
Not any fallback can do that and Kyle Walker did. The problem is is that the decline has been sharp and it has been rapid and we saw it towards the end of two seasons ago and we thought oh this is just a blip, Kyle will work his way out of it.
00:28:53
Keelin
The truth is, he has been awful this year. He's been really, really, really bad. He's been outplayed by nearly every winger he's ever come up, or every winger he's come up against this season. He's looked poor, he hasn't provided leadership, and he just looks like a spent force, unfortunately, if I'm honest. I'm glad he's getting this move. I think a change of scenery could do him a lot of good, and I think he could be a real asset for AC Milan because Emerson Royale can't defend to save of his life.
00:29:22
Keelin
Uh, but yeah, I mean, listen, I'm incredibly thankful to Kyle Walker because we got about three or four years of the best right back in world football out of Kyle Walker. And that says it all really, but it's time to move on.
00:29:35
Keelin
It was probably time to move on last year. And yeah, I hope he hasn't damaged his reputation too much because he was the best fullback English football has ever seen.
00:29:46
Keelin
I do stand up.
00:29:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. I don't think he has damaged his reputation too much. If AC Milan want to sign him, I think he's going to have a good couple of years there in the Serie R where defending is less spaced out.
00:29:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah You've got a lot more time, I think.
00:29:58
Keelin
Yeah.
00:30:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think he's going to do well there. Of course, it's sad how it's ended at City. Like you said, I think he's left about a year or two too late. I think he was genuinely
00:30:08
Keelin
Yeah.
00:30:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
the I think he is the best right back that the Premier League has ever seen. I agree with you on that. um I just think that the decline has been so rapid and so sharp that it's ended quite poorly. But I do you think they will be looked upon favourably. When it's all said and done in a few years from now, we'll be looking out back at Kyle Walker and going, thank you you know for the four or five amazing years that we had with him.
00:30:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
and but listen we wish him well everyone at city has loved him it's ended quite poorly but he has lifted and some trophies with us he lifted the Premier League with us last year so let's not say too much bad things about him although we have said quite a lot of poor things about him over the course of this season because he has been poor and rightly so held some criticism for it but listen that's not the big January transfer name at the moment because As of right now recording this it seems as though Omar Mamoush has landed in Manchester to complete his medical at some point this week.
Omar Mamoush Signing and Versatility
00:31:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
That is a transfer that I am getting really excited about and I haven't been this excited for a transfer in a long time because we haven't really been making that many transfers and as a recent year. But listen, Omar Mamoush from Amtrak Frankfurt for a reported £58 million pounds something along those lines
00:31:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
To me, this seems so obvious. When Julian Alvarez left for 85 million to Athletica Madrid, we knew we'd miss his profile. We knew we'd miss having that player because it's a player who can play low number nine, but can also play alongside Erwin Harland and did so for the majority of last season, contributing loads and loads of goals. Omar Mamoush now is a player who likes to play as a second striker, as a number 10 off the left, off the right. He can play up top on his own. and I'm excited about this. This is the Swiss Army Knife Defender that we've gotten so used to in the front line. How excited are you with this transfer, Keelan?
00:32:01
Keelin
Jack, I am very excited. I'm going to be honest. you know Most clubs barely make signings in January. We're going and signing the Bundesliga's best winger in January.
00:32:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
you know
00:32:12
Keelin
It's a bit of a crazy time here in the blue side of things, but and what a signing, though. you know This is the kind of so signing that makes a summer transfer window. you know This is the kind of player that three or four clubs are after.
00:32:25
Keelin
The likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona, although they can't afford anything at the moment, are normally after. You know, I am so intrigued by this and I'm intrigued for a lot of reasons. One reason I'm intrigued is I hope Guardiola doesn't take away what makes Marmouche special. I hope he in a way lets him play his own game and lets him be devastatingly effective by playing his own game.
00:32:50
Keelin
The other reason I'm intrigued is what does this mean for Jack Grealish? Does this mean he's done now? Does this mean does this mean the end for Jack Grealish? Because I'll be honest, I think it does. I think Jeremy Duck, who's going to be the backup in the left wing, Marmoosh is going to intermingle between the left and doubling as the second striker with Holland and I think to be honest Jack and I could be completely wrong I want to be clear there's a lot of time left I could be absolutely wrong but my rating of it is I think this is Curtin's and Jack Relish's time at Man City.
00:33:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
You know what, I think you might be right on that one. There's rumors now that, you know, certain teams, Borussia Dortmund, Inter Milan, I think was another one, are keeping tabs and monitoring the progress of Jack Grealish.
Jack Grealish's Future Speculations
00:33:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
I don't think he's going to get much game time now. and the And the reason why is because he's not been performing in the game time that he has been given. You know, in the treble winning season, when we were so good, he was pivotal because he was so efficient at what he did.
00:33:47
Keelin
Yes.
00:33:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
And when everything around him was going a hundred miles an hour, He was so incredibly good at controlling the pace of the game from out wide. He was doing David Silver's job in the whole Manchester City team from out wide. and It was so effective, it was such a great tool to have in your locker. But in this season particularly, when that's not happening, our team are not going 100 miles an hour, we're not flying through teams, his specific skill set is less utilised, it's less vital to this team.
00:34:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
so is kind of falling by the wayside. So I think you're right, I think we'll see a lot less of Jack Grealish throughout the rest of the season and and I do think we'll probably see a summer move for him. It's not to say that he's not been brilliant at City, he has, but when you've got a player like Jack Grealish who's very specifically fantastic at one certain thing, but the goals, the assists aren't there, it's only going to end one way.
00:34:37
Keelin
Yeah.
00:34:43
Global Sports Podcast Network
Because when we're not clicking, he's not adding anything.
00:34:47
Keelin
I think as well, Jack, a big problem that's burdened Jack Relish the second he's signed for City has been the price tag. And i I think, you know, some players like Cristiano Ronaldo, they thrive with the price tag and it makes them better. I think, and this is not Jack Relish's fault because he did not decide what price would be paid for him to move from one club to another.
00:35:11
Keelin
I do think that price tag has weighed him down tremendously and it's no coincidence to me that his best form in the travel winning season coincided with freedom from that and ignoring that and being encouraged but you just made a brilliant point there Jack that I do want to build off a little bit.
00:35:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
Oh yeah.
00:35:31
Keelin
You can't only be great when the team around you is great You have to have the ability to be great when everything else around you is falling down. That is a £100 million pound player. That's a Phil Foden. That's a Kevin De Bruyne.
00:35:48
Keelin
And unfortunately, Jack Grealish, as much as I like the guy personally, even though he betrayed Ireland, very different story. As much as I like him personally, and I have no doubt he's given 100% in every game he's played, he's just not a difference maker, and he's never going to be a difference maker. Omar Marmouche, that's a difference maker.
00:36:11
Keelin
Jeremy Dokku is now becoming a Difference Maker, Savino, Difference Maker, Erwin Holland, the world's best Difference Maker.
00:36:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
Man.
00:36:19
Keelin
When you stack those names up against Jack Grealish, does he measure up to any of them and their impact? I think you have to be honest and you say he just doesn't.
00:36:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think you made a fair point and you do it so, so poetically that I think I'm going to have to leave it on that note because you've just rounded it off perfectly. But listen, the one last transfer rumor that I did just want to touch upon for very selfish reasons and is that Manchester City are earmarking Diogo Costa as a future medicine replacement in the summer.
00:36:46
Keelin
Oh, come on.
00:36:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
And I just want to say, first and foremost, that Keelan, me and you, we were there first.
00:36:54
Keelin
We were, Jack, we were the first two members of the Diogo Costa Fine Club.
00:36:56
Global Sports Podcast Network
the We were there first. So I'll leave it on that.
00:36:58
Keelin
It doesn't exist yet.
00:37:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
Listen, we we did we speak into existence? I don't know. I don't want to put those words out there, but let's not take credit for it, even though I'm definitely taking credit for it. But listen, say thank you very much for keith for joining me, Keelan, on today's 2025 Roundup so far and the January transfer window, because we're making some some exciting moves.
00:37:10
Keelin
100%.
00:37:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
I, for one, am very, very excited for the future, for the rest of the season from Manchester City. Despite how bad we've been, it's starting to look like the clouds are parting and the sun is shining. But for now, we've been Manchester City Daily. Join us next time. Tomorrow we'll be discussing a little bit of a post Ipswich breakdown, but all that's left for me to say is have a brilliant rest of your day.