Manchester City's potential centre back options

Manchester City’s spending spree looks set to continue with manager Pep Guardiola still on the hunt for a new central defender.

However, the Catalan has already spent £220 million on other new arrivals, according to the Telegraph, and now the budget for a new centre-back has been reduced.

City have been unsuccessful in pursuits of Juventus’ Leonardo Bonucci and Southampton’s Virgil van Dijk, but they were still hoping to bring in a big-money, experienced defender of a similar ilk, but changes to the Blues’ plans have called for them to have a rethink about their options.

Although City could potentially survive on the defenders they currently have, it would benefit them to sign another after Aleksandar Kolarov’s unexpected request to move to Roma. His departure left Guardiola with only three senior centre backs in Vincent Kompany, John Stones and Nicolas Otamendi.

Last season the City manager switched between playing three and four players at the back, so finding another defender could make the difference in deciding which formation he uses.

Who are potential centre back options for City?

One potential option could be Real Sociedad’s Inigo Martinez. The 26-year-old, who made 42 appearances last season, has an incredible shot power and possesses a rare amount of aggression for a defender, but that could be just what City need to hold back opposing teams.

The Manchester Evening News suggests that City targeted the Spaniard earlier this summer, but, with his release clause set at £27 million, the question now lies in if the Blues can commit to another splurge.

Guardiola has also previously expressed interest in bringing Bayern Munich’s Holger Badstuber to the Etihad Stadium, as reported by the Manchester Evening News, having caught the eye of the City manager with his unique skill set and uncanny ability when it comes to long range passing.

However, the 28-year-old has a chequered injury record and missed a total of 12 games last season, which can make him appear less reliable.

Although it doesn’t appear as though Guardiola wants to use him, he does have Tosin Adarabioyo at his disposal. The youngster signed a new contract with City earlier this summer and could be used in City’s first team.

The 19-year-old ticks a lot of boxes. He is commanding in the air with his height of 6 feet 5 inches, yet he is deceptively quick and light on his feet. Adarabioyo is similar to Kompany – smart, eloquent and spirited – which could pay off for City in the long haul if look to give him experience now.

Speaking at the Nissan Stadium ahead of Saturday’s friendly against Tottenham in Nashville, Guardiola spoke of his hunt for another defender, EPSN report:

“Of course I’m happy with John, Vinny and Nico but we’re going to see. We don’t have too much more to spend.

“We’ve spent a lot and the market is so, so expensive in the last few years. But we’re going to see. If the market gives us a chance, we’re going to try. But if not, we’ll go with our guys.”

City have until the end of August to find a player who meets their requirements.

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Who are the possible centre back options for Manchester City?

Who are potential centre back options for City?