Manchester City’s transfer machine continues to hum quietly in the background, and reports from TeamTalk suggest that Pep Guardiola has set his sights on Atletico Madrid’s Nahuel Molina as a potential January addition.

With City’s right-back situation lacking stability, the World Cup-winning Argentine could emerge as a smart, under-the-radar solution.

Opportunity Emerging in Madrid

Molina’s situation at Atletico Madrid is becoming increasingly delicate. His contract will have just 18 months remaining by January, and he has started only once in the Champions League this season, with two substitute appearances.

That kind of peripheral status usually signals an opening in modern football’s economics — clubs tend to sell before value depreciates rather than risk a contract running down.

At 27, Molina remains in his prime, but Diego Simeone’s system has evolved, and competition within the Atletico backline is fierce. His reduced involvement could tempt Atletico to listen to offers if Manchester City’s interest solidifies.

Proven Pedigree and Tactical Fit

Molina’s CV speaks for itself. A double Copa America winner (2021 and 2024) and part of Argentina’s triumphant 2022 World Cup squad, he brings international experience and composure. According to TeamTalk, City view him as a player who “ticks many of the boxes they want to fill.”

Across his career, Molina has featured 135 times at right-back and 116 times as a right-midfielder — versatility Guardiola prizes highly. His attacking output is also impressive, with seven goals and 13 assists in 141 appearances for Atletico Madrid.

Those are standout numbers for a full-back, particularly under Simeone’s conservative system, and they suggest he could thrive in City’s expansive setup.

Right-back has quietly become a concern for Guardiola. Rico Lewis continues to develop, and Matheus Nunes has been deployed in makeshift roles, but the lack of a natural, high-level option has occasionally unbalanced City’s fluid structure.

Molina’s ability to overlap, invert, and press high could restore tactical flexibility on that flank.

Smart Recruitment or Risky Gamble?

On paper, Molina fits City’s model — experienced, tactically intelligent, and available at a sensible price. The question is whether a player struggling for rhythm in Spain can quickly adapt to Guardiola’s intricate positional demands mid-season.

City rarely take mid-year risks, preferring summer reinforcements after full tactical integration.

However, with the deal potentially attainable at a lower fee, this could be a calculated move that strengthens depth without major disruption.

Molina wouldn’t be expected to displace Kyle Walker immediately but could provide quality cover while offering the long-term transition option City have been quietly seeking.

If the deal materialises, it would be classic City business — subtle, strategic, and built around value rather than hype. The kind of signing that barely registers in January but proves decisive come April, when squad depth often defines champions.