With Pep employing a three at the back system, it is clear that he will need a backup to his preferred trio comprising of Vincent Kompany, John Stones, and Nicolas Otamendi.
While Pep has publicly stated that he would like to get another centre back before the window closes, he also stated that he does not believe that not being able to do so will cost the side.
Pep on signing a new centre-back: “The market is so expensive. If the market gives us a chance we will try”.
It has recently come to light that Pep will not go on a goose chase for another centre back and will provide outcast Eliaquim Mangala with a lifeline in the process.
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The Frenchman has been a major disappointment since joining City in a £42million deal in 2014 and spent last season on loan at Valencia.
The 26-year-old was quite below par at Valencia. The French international amassed 2646 minutes on his loan spell at Estadio Mestalla in a season which saw them finish 12th in a dismal campaign. However, he still promises to be a dynamic defender. He is quick, strong and very comfortable on the ball with latter quality sure to endear him to Guardiola given how much he wants the centre backs to be involved in the play and start moves from the back.
Mangala was set to be part of a defensive Clear out by City this summer as he accepted he was surplus to requirements at the club.
But with Kolarov sold, City are running out of time to find the fourth centre back to provide cover for his starters.
He has been training with the first team and was even provided with a place on the bench in City’s win at Brighton.
Bringing Jason Denayer is another option but not one which is very likely. He rejected a loan move to Girona last month and is currently training away from the first team squad with Samir Nasri and Ivorian Wilfried Bony to provide him company.
Other than Mangala, the only other option City have is young Academy product Tosin Adarabioyo. The 19-year-old has only 4 senior team appearances with none of them being in the Premier League so it will most likely be a step too high for him to make.
Rather than having to deploy Fernandinho as a makeshift centre back as they did many times last season, keeping Mangala could be a more sensible decision if they do not find another signing for the position.
