Man City line up left-field transfer as Pep Guardiola takes page from Liverpool's book

Manchester City have reportedly shortlisted Celtic star Kyogo Furuhashi as one of their top targets to replace Julian Alvarez. Pep Guardiola’s side have been relatively quiet in the transfer window so far, prioritising outgoings over incomings.

City acquired the services of Savinho from sister club Troyes earlier this summer and appeared set to head into the 2024/25 without any further incomings.

However, the Citizens have been flung back into the market after granting Alvarez his wish to leave the club, with the Argentina international heading to La Liga for £82million.

City are on the lookout for a player to replace Alvarez, and they have plenty of funds at their disposal. But it appears they won’t be targeting a blockbuster big-name signing.

According to The Athletic, City have shortlisted Kyogo as one of their primary targets to replace Alvarez as he has ‘caught the eye’ of the higher powers at the club.

The 29-year-old is one of two names on their final shortlist, with another ‘younger’ option also being considered.

City do not expect personal terms to be an issue with Kyogo and feel that the forward is capable of fulfilling the brief of being a ‘squad role’ player at the club rather than one of the first names on the team sheet – a role which Alvarez struggled with last season.

Kyogo scored 19 goals and registered five assists in 50 appearances for Celtic last season, being able to play as a striker and a No. 10 when required. City are also on the cusp of re-signing Ilkay Gundogan after it became clear that he did not have a future at Barcelona, in what would be another cut-price acquisition.

City have often splashed the cash on high-profile new signings in years gone by, but the decision to move for Kyogo represents a change of plan at the Etihad this season. Similarly to Liverpool in years gone by, Guardiola’s side appear willing to replace big-money sales with more understated but still astute signings.

That means the opportunity comes to table a mammoth bid for a player, they will have the funds available – may that be in January or next summer, potentially under the guidance of a new manager if Guardiola departs.