Sunday 19 April 2020

Odd times…


Apart from the likes of the oldest person in the UK to recover from / survive Covid-19 who, at 106-years of age has now lived through the Spanish flu, WWI, WWII and now the Corona virus; there can’t be that many people on planet earth who can say that they recall similar to what we’re all going through at the moment.

 

It got my mum who passed away in the early hours of Tuesday 14th April and I know of a friend who lost both of his cousins (both brothers) within 48-hours of each other, as well as a close friend. I hope, as I write this, not too many of you have suffered loses and I hope you all manage to stay safe & well.


You might wanna get comfy for this one, it’s a little long…


Why not?


I’ve not really felt like blogging in the last few weeks and, to be honest, there hasn’t been much to write about with regards to all things Manchester City – there was no way I was gonna jump on the merry-go-round of when / if the football season would resume and, if so, in what format, as the picture kept - and keeps - changing almost daily.

And it might seem strange to want to-now ‘put pen to paper’ just 2 days (when I started writing this piece) after from losing my mum to this horrible virus but with little to organise in comparison to what a “normal” funeral would require organisation-wise; I thought, this morning, why not?

Also, “why not”, I thought I’d produce a blog-post based on an ongoing list that I keep of incoming transfer possibilities; an inventory that I operate on a rolling, 12-month basis of ‘rumoured signings’, which I don’t think are just totally unrealistic, wild-speculative ‘stabs in the proverbial dark’ from the various press sources. I like to think that these names have some potential traction when it comes to us possibly being interested in their signatures…and them being interested in us of course too.

Weirdly, if the season was still running there’d be a break in league fixtures now (F.A. Cup weekend I believe) with the last game being on 11th April away to Southampton and our next league fixture being on the south coast also, at Brighton & Hove Albion. If there HAD have been any transfer talk during this reduction in top-flight fixtures then it probably would-have-only irritated me a little (too soon before competitions were finished) and I certainly wouldn’t have made mention of it.

But seeing as the situation is what it is for now…

Goalkeepers


None. Nothing to see here transfer-in wise. By all accounts - and as I very much expected - last season’s signing, Zack Steffen, who put pen to paper for us on 9th July 2019 and was loaned to Fortuna Dusseldorf for the season, will be returning to compete for the ‘Number 1’ jersey with Ederson. That’ll be Scott Carson leaving after his loan spell and Claudio Bravo either leaving too or, perhaps, staying on in a coaching role. ­

But, as I say, no incoming transfers in the keeper department for the 1st team, at least, and if I’m correct about both Scott & Claudio departing, I can imagine EDS stopper Gavin Bazunu being elevated to first team cover on occasions; possible seeing the bench in the League Cup during the 2020/21 season.

Defenders


Here we go – the biggest topic of conversation throughout all of the current season, such as it is.

Starting on the left and with Angeleno almost certain to be sold AGAIN in the summer and with rumours also that Pep isn’t happy with the fragility of Benjamin Mendy; apparently the left-back slot is going to be considered as high-a-priority as the central defensive position.

Oddly, then, there haven’t been so many linked with us, who I considered viable at least.

One player, however, that does seem to fit the bill perfectly is Austrian David Alaba. 28 in June is a good, starting-prime-years age and this versatile defender, who can play both at left-back as well as in the middle, comes with vast experience both at international level as well as in the Bundesliga with Bayern Munich. Want another enticing reason to chuck a bid in? He’s only got just over 12-months left on his contract! He pitches in with goals too, so he could well be a Pep-like, attacking defender when on the left flank and, so, I’m sure assists are ‘in his locker’ too.

Chances of making a bid: 9/10

That’s it for realistic links that I’ve seen in the last 12 months with regards to left-backs BUT…there are a few in the right-back links who-can-also play on the left as a secondary position.

Central defence


Where do we start? Well, I’ll just start at the top of my list, as I put them down as the year ran on…


Milan Skriniar who, oddly, plays for (Inter) Milan, is a player who keeps popping up on the ‘City link’ radar. At 25 he is at an excellent age to bring in and with over 100 league & cup games in Italy’s top division under his belt as well as plenty of international experience; the 6’ 2” Slovak could well be what we’re looking for to fill the void. He did sign his last contract just less than 12 months ago and that takes him to June 2023. However, that could just be Inter protecting their investment and although the defender would cost a fair ol’ whack; Milan seem to be a side quite willing to cash in on their assets if the price is right.

Chances of making a bid: 7/10

Going back to Germany, Borussia Dortmund have a player on their books with the name Dan-Axel Zagadou (there’s gotta be a song or two about him there somewhere) who could be of interest to Mr Guardiola and who, of course, has been linked with us at some point in the last 12 months. Now this guy reads the game like Vincent Kompany and, in many other ways, plays similar to our ol’ skip too, in my opinion. At a whopping 6’ 5”, he’s remarkably good with his feet, although the Premier League would provide a bigger test, I’m sure, as he’d be under much more, intense pressure from pacey forwards. He’ll turn 21 in June and although that sounds very young when you consider that we have defenders both in our EDS and out on loan who are screaming for Peps’ attention; he’s got a couple of seasons of Bundesliga under his belt as well as representing France from Under 16s right through to Under 21s. A massive plus is that, for now, he is running down his contract, which will expire in 2 years’ time in June, so there’d be room for negotiating a reasonable price. However, it’s recently been reported that the French defender has suffered left-knee ligament damage when training with his club for a potential restart of the season and is currently being assessed. I Hope the youngster is okay.

Chances of making a bid if the injury is not a long-term one: 6/10
Chances of making a bid if it is serious: 0/10


By all accounts, Samuel Umtiti is being practically shoved out of the door at Barcelona, having slowly but surely slipped down the pecking order following a couple of injuries followed by a loss of form. Prior to this recent downturn, he was a very much respected regular at Barca. Apparently – and despite being contracted to June 2023 – rumour has it that the Spanish club won’t exactly ask the earth for the 6’ 0” French-Cameroon central defender either and there’s sure to be a clamour for the 26-year old. Clubs are currently lining up for the scrap for his signature and I recon we’ll be one of ‘em. Powerful, calm & commanding at the back with a good passing game ticks all of Pep’s and the Premier League’s boxes.

Chances of making a bid: 9/10

Unai Nunez is a lesser known central defender who plays for Athletic Bilbao. The 6’ 1” Spaniard has only just turned 21 in January but has bags of La Liga experience already as well as a full, international Spanish cap to his name! Still has just over 3 years left on his contract but I’m sure our manager will have had a look at him.

Chances of making a bid: 5/10

Bayern Munich’s David Alaba, who I’ve already mention, can play, apparently, just as good in central defence as well as at left-back. But another player from the same division is RB Leipzig’s Dayot Upamecano, a surname that I think sounds great when said in a Mancunian accent! Tonnes of Bundesliga experience as well as loads of French international youth games for a defender who doesn’t turn 22 until October! And, like David Alaba, his contract runs out in 12-months’ time from June! Whisper it but do you know what I think? I can see a double Bundesliga raid on both Alaba & Upamecano. We’d be daft not to for such talent with years of play left in both players; with just 12 or so months left on each of their contracts AND with a recent good relationship with the Leipzig club, at least.

Chances of making a bid: 8/10


Ruben Dias is a player very recently linked with us but Jose Mourinho / Spurs are, apparently, desperate to sign the soon-to-be 23-year old. This one is gonna cost a lot, as he only put pen to paper on a new contract in June 2018, which extended his stay at Benfica until June 2024! Apparently, he’s ‘the next big thing’ and already well respected, with plenty of Portuguese top-flight experience as well as 16, full-international caps for Portugal. I don’t think City will be willing to pay what, is sure to be, a very, very high price tag when we have other areas of the pitch to consider also…and with UEFA watching us closely. Still, he’s a very good, good-age defender that I was impressed with when watching clips recently so I’ve stuck him in there as a ‘not ridiculous’ rumour.

Chances of making a bid: 3/10

Finally, in this category, a player, who, it-feels-like-has-been linked with us before he was even born! Nathan Ake is his name. I like him…and I think Pep does, or would, too. I cannot believe the Dutch international has only just turned 25-year of age in February – he seems to have been playing for 5 years longer than that! Has spent his entire domestic career in England (tick). Has spent the majority of that time in the Premier League (tick). Has 13-full, international caps for the Netherlands (tick). He’s 25 (tick). His contract has only 2 years to run in June (tick). He can – and often has done – play at left-back as well as central defence (tick). He’s very calm and assured and also, just like Dan-Axel Zagadou, reminds me a little of Vincent Kompany (tick). Now he is only 5’ 11” but, from what I’ve seen, he does ‘get up there’ when needed. Perhaps it’s not his biggest (no pun intended) quality but, then again, I don’t think it’s Pep’s number 1 priority in his central defenders either. Besides, for that side of the defending or attacking corners we have Laporte, Rodders & Fernandinho at least. Nathan is a player, though, I have seen Bournemouth throw into the opposition box whenever they have a corner themselves, so he can’t be too ineffective in the air, can he? I would be shocked if we didn’t put in a bid for the dreadlocked defender and, as it’s my last central defender entry; I’ll now say that I believe that we’ll attempt to sign 2 centre-halves in the summer and that Ake will be one attempt, at least. Why 2? Well, we already need to fill the gap left by Vinny and I can honestly see both Nicolas Otamendi & John Stones leaving us in a few months’ time.

Chances of making a bid: 10/10




Do you wanna make yourself a brew at this point?

Right-backs


Again, in date order as the rumours came in, I’ll start with AS Monaco’s, Benjamin Henrichs. He’s a player that we’ve been linked with for quite some time; more than a year ago in fact and his name keeps popping back up in the same sentence as “Manchester City”. I really like the look of this guy and with Joao Cancelo almost certain to end his brief time with us soon, I think we’ll definitely be in the market for a replacement. And not only is it a club who we’ve done business with before in a cordial manner; you don’t ignore a defender who might be available for negotiation who is only 23 and has managed to break into the German first team! He does everything clean & simple – well timed tackles, a professional, good team player with, apparently, a lot of stamina.  Seems to get a few assists too. He is contracted to June 2023 so he wouldn’t come cheap but, then again, whoever wants to buy Cancelo will be prising a player out of a contract that isn’t due to end until June 2025! Apparently, Benjamin has also had spells playing as a left-wing back as well as in the centre of defence too, which would be another bonus.

Chances of making a bid: 8/10

I’m sure, as a Spaniard himself, our Manager will be more than familiar with Spanish international, Mario Gaspar…and perhaps that’s the only reason he was linked with us. I say that because he’s on my list but on his next birthday, which is in November, he’ll be 30. Of course, 30 is certainly not ‘past it’ for a footballer these days with the fitness levels maintained by their respective clubs but it’s not an age City tend to target these days; not unless they’re desperate to fill a slot. Perhaps this one appeared on my list before we signed Cancelo. He’s a one-club man, having played 100s of games for Villarreal! If he was to move for ‘one big payday’ then the time is now! If he doesn’t, then I think he’ll retire at the club that has the nickname, The Yellow Submarine. Contracted to June 2023 and clearly, as an ever-present in the La Liga, is talented / well respected.

Chances of making a bid: 5/10

A very recent link has been Barcelona’s Nelson Semedo who, apparently, is stalling on extending his current contract, which is due to run out in June 2022. Clearly, he is still wanted by the Spanish giants and having played over 70 league games for them; clearly the 13-capped, Portuguese international is decent too. Despite the fact that his contact is about to move into that 2-year ‘twitchy’ zone, rumours are that Barca would still want around £40M for the 5’ 10” right-back. However, there’s also a rumour that they may be interested in Cancelo and, therefore, a swap may well be ‘on the cards’. And seeing as we’ve been linked with other Barcelona stars; we could see a very interesting swap deal take place…and as Covid-19 continues to ebb away player’s values, swap-deals could well be more ‘the norm’ in the coming months and quite possibly longer too.

Chances of making a bid: 8/10



Yan Couto is a player a lot of City fans might think sounds familiar. Why? Well he was on my list of realistically-linked players and…we’ve now signed him! He’ll be joining us in July, having signed him from Brazilian side, Coritiba FC for £5.4M. He’s classed as a right-back / right-wing back but having seen this lad play using on-line clips, I can tell you that he could do that job on the left too and has done so on occasions. I’ve rarely seen such a good, young, 2-footed player as Yan. Bags of skill and, apparently, could run all day…and then into the night too! Seems to have good positional awareness, for such a young lad, and times his tackles very well. Of course, being blessed with such skill and being Brazilian, he likes to get further up the pitch as a secondary winger and he does that with exciting results too. Now…will he be used this coming season? He’ll be 18 in June and using the old adage, “If you’re good enough, you’re old enough”, then why not? Of course, the Premier League is a WORLD away from the league he’s played in but I wouldn’t be so quick to fire him out on loan straight away. I think, however, that is very much likely to be the plan for a player who, perhaps, needs ‘bulking up’ a little. Perhaps, after a little time acclimatising in the EDS, we’ll see Jan moved on somewhere that suits his progression. If that’s the case, the right-back links may continue for a little longer…

Chances of making a bid: N/A – Signed!

Midfielders / Wingers


Now, some of this depends on whether we are going to lose, at least, Leroy Sane in addition to the retiring David Silva. And, to complicate matters, there have been fairly strong signals in recent weeks that Riyad Mahrez might be put up for sale in the summer…and EVEN rumours also that Raheem Stirling wants a new challenge elsewhere! Not sure I believe the last one…

Hufff…so, with all that to consider, I’m going to attempt to put a ‘chances of’ estimate based on 2 of those 3 leaving (in addition to David).

First up in my list of written down in date order, a player who, at one stage, looked a ‘dead cert’ to sign…and then didn’t. Instead, young Argentine Thiago Almada signed a 5-year contract in September 2019 tying him to Velez Sarsfield to June 2023. That could, however, be his club protecting their assets so they get a decent fee and not necessarily a ‘hands off’. It did ensure that the 19-year old spent this season in South America and he may well spend next season there too. But I can see us revisiting this attacking midfielder / winger / ‘false number 9’ in the future. He looks a REAL talent!

Chances of making a bid (this summer): 3/10

When the vultures began to circle of which we, at some point more recently, may have become one of them; Real Sociedad got Mikel Oyarzabal to sit down and sign a contract in June 2018 keeping him ‘locked in’ until June 2024. Predominantly a left-winger; the Spaniard can play more central; can play on / ‘come in off’ the right-flank and play as a forward too. His stats in La Liga are impressive and there are a lot who pay closer attention to the player who can’t believe he doesn’t get more full-international caps. He is a special player. If rumours are correct about us demanding £140 / £150M for Leroy Sane then we should have the funds to get Mikel if Pep wants him…and I can’t see why he wouldn’t at least be interested. As I say, based on 2 of those 3 players I mentioned leaving in the summer and, in this case, despite still having 4-years left on his contract…

Chances of making a bid: 7/10

However, want a much cheaper option? There’s a player linked with us a few weeks ago that I had a look at and, who, only has a contract to June 2022. He’d be a LOT cheaper! Florinel Coman looks a little raw and needs some work but he has only just turned 22 and clearly has talent. And, although noted to be a left-winger, he seems just as comfortable on the right, in the middle and receives the ball well striker-like when further ‘up top’. I’m not sure what the standard is like in Romania’s top division but he has an impressive-sounding 25 league goals in 80 appearance for FCSB over the last 2 seasons. I also like the fact that his name reminds me a little of left-winger, Tony Coleman


Chances of making a bid: 5/10

A player who, by all accounts, is comfortable / just as dangerous on either attacking flank is Barcelona’s Ousmane Dembele. And his current employers are, for whatever reason, trying to off-load the French attacker. However, despite only having 2-years left on his contract, any club who has come knocking have all turned away at Barca’s asking price, which is a varied figure depending on where you read it from. What could be in our favour, however, is of course our officials’ relationship with the Spanish club and, in addition, we could even try to entice them with a double swoop for both Dembele and defender Samuel Umtiti.

Chances of making a bid: 9/10


As I mentioned earlier, with rumours that Riyad’s brief time with us could be coming to an end, rumours also came in about players who do, or can, play on the right wing. Samu (Samuel) Chukwueze is a seemingly much sort after youngster who, at just 20, has plenty of La Liga experience with Villarreal. 5’ 8” Shaun Wright-Phillips-like in stature; the Nigerian already has 13-full international caps and 2 goals to his name too. Contracted to June 2023.

Chances of making a bid: 5/10


Need another break? Not too much more…

It took time for this next player to mature, aside from a recent lockdown blip in recent weeks, but it looks like he eventually has. And when I see Jack Grealish play, I make no excuses about saying that I can see traits of one Kevin De Bruyne in him. Under Pep Guardiola, that’s exactly what I can see the 24-year old becoming. Adaptable too and although he prefers to go ‘down the middle’; I have seen accomplished performances from Jack on either flank, particularly the left. He’s English and, as such, he’s gonna cost a fair bit. He’s contracted until June 2023 too and I’m quite sure he’d attract a bidding war that I can definitely easily see us joining…but then not necessarily staying the course if / when prices starts to get silly. There could, however, be some room for negotiating with a club we’ve recently done good business with…

Chances of making a bid: 7/10

I’m leaving this next player ‘in there’ but I was very tempted to remove / dismiss it completely as unrealistic. The reason is that both Fabian Ruiz’s agent is doing his best impression of a football agent and appears to be touting his player as-being linked with any big club he can think of AND the players current employer, SSC Napoli, have apparently said that it will take an “indecent offer” for them to even consider letting the Spanish midfielder talk to another club. Contracted until June 2023, the 6’ 2” is a different animal to David Silva, if the idea is that this would be a replacement for the City legend. He likes to get involved with quick pass & moves in attacking play but the big difference [to David] is that he doesn’t have the intricate ball-work of our little midfield genius; rather he backs up good passing & movement with bursts of powerful, long-striding runs. He also looks just as comfortable on the left-side as he does in the middle. Although I think we’ll need to replace both retiring and otherwise departing players in our attacking midfield / wing department in the summer; I don’t think well be willing to overspend in this area with other options available to us and where-also other departments are crying out for far bigger improvements.

Chances of making a bid: 2/10

The start of my final 3 midfield / wing links begins with a young lad who looks to have real talent and a bright future. Ianis Hagi is son of the’ Hagi and at just 21, he looks both well accomplished already but also remarkably calm & decisive in ‘one-on-one’ situations. The attacking midfielder, who can also operate on both wings, is gonna cost – he’s not only contracted to June 2024 but as time passes, more & more big teams from across Europe seem to be taking notice. Belgium club KRC Genk hold his current contract but he’s currently on loan at Rangers and their fans just LOVE the player who has scored 3 league goals in 7 league appearances since joining them on 31st January.

Chances of making a bid: 5/10


Another young player (22 in June) who almost-already looks the finished article is Lyon’s, French midfielder, Houssem Aouar. And this player has already attracted comments from a seemingly admiring Pep Guardiola. Very comfortable with the ball, technically excellent, good passing range and unleashes one HELL of a shot. He’s pretty much got the lot really. Highly respected already, young, much sort after and contracted to June 2023; the 5’ 9” attacking midfielder surely has a big price tag attached. But this one might be worth it.

Chances of making a bid: 7/10

And finally, for this section, the most recently-linked midfielder / winger with Manchester City might be a surprising one to many. It comes in the form of Norwich City’s, Argentine winger, Emiliano Buendia. Predominantly a right-winger; Emiliano can operate in the middle and on the left-flank too. What Pep might like about this player is not only does he create aplenty but his work-rate is said to be exceptional; a trait very-much highly regarded by our Spanish boss. And he loves to ‘get involved’ and trackback too, with a seemingly impressive, successful tacking rate that any right-wing back would gratefully accept the assistance of. It sounds to me like he ticks a lot of Pep’s boxes. If Riyad Mahrez IS to leave in the summer and Norwich, as most expect, do get relegated; I wouldn’t be surprised if we lined up the Canaries 5-foot 8’er as a replacement for the Algerian. And even though Buendia is contracted to June 2024, I can see us making a profit on our ‘in & out’ dealings on this one; with Mahrez surely to start a bidding war for his services.

Chances of making a bid: 7/10

Forwards / Strikers


Just two here, you may be relieved to know…


Young, English, Premier League experienced, full-international caps to his name along with bags of England under 18, 19 & 21 experience and approaching the last 2 years of his contract; Tammy Abraham ticks so many boxes that when he was linked with a summer move to our wonderful football club, I didn’t hesitate to put him on the ‘realistic link’ list. The only two things that go against a possible approach from City are, A. He’s 6’ 3” and that goes against Pep’s ‘low centre of gravity’, shorter forwards he tends to prefer and, B. Tammy does seem to have a few underlining injury niggles, which have been surfacing of late. Weighing up all of those factors…

Chances of making a bid: 6/10


Annnnnd finally…a striker who most certainly fits the Pep Guardiola style and is considered by many to be Sergio Aguero’s future successor; and with the possibly plan being to bring him in for a cross-over season with our all-time, top scorer - it’s Inter Milan’s, Argentine, Lautaro Martinez! Now this one comes with a clear message from his current employers, which is that the bidding starts at his release clause figure of £97.3M. And, if we wanted him, I actually don’t see many other teams wanting to join in a bidding war starting at that price, to be honest. Contracted to June 2023; Lautaro stands just 1” taller than our Serg and has a similar playing style. Perhaps, so I’ve heard, the Inter star doesn’t quite have the silky, close-control ball skills of Aguero but what he may lack there he MORE than makes up for in hard-working, team interplay; something many say that our star striker sometimes lacks. And, crucially, just like Sergio, Lautaro ‘can finish’! He’s a class forward – simple as that.

Chances of making a bid: 9/10

So, there you have it!

I did say at the beginning of the midfielder / wingers section that we might have to consider losing 1 or 2 of Leroy, Raheem & Riyad when considering new arrivals but what I will add is that we do still have the option of using Gabriel Jesus on the left-flank and I get the feeling we’ll see more of that next season, should we not bid for an out & out, specialist left-winger. That too [utilising Gabriel on the left] would accommodate any incoming, additional striker.

And, of course, there’s a whole HOST of clubs from both the Premier League and across Europe that I haven’t mentioned who have also been linked with all of the above – of course they have!

But there’s no doubting that our team / squad does need a tweak / refresh and most certainly ‘bulking out’ in some areas in the summer – anyone who watched us “struggle” at times in comparison with our own, very high standards should have been able to see that. Some areas are more important than others, I would strongly suggest…but I don’t think we can afford not to review every department within our squad before the start of next season, whenever that may be. There are sure to be names I’ve not mentioned that will get linked and may even end up signing for us…but I’m quite confident at least one of those names above - possibly 2 or more - will be playing in a Manchester City shirt next season.

I’ll end as I started (if you managed to get to the end of this piece and are still with me) by wishing you all good health during this frightening time and will sign off by saying that should the season resume, we go into it as the only English club with a domestic trophy tucked in our 2019/20 locker; we’re in a good position to finish Premier League runners up, we’re in the quarter finals of the F.A. Cup and have the advantage over Real Madrid in the Round of 16 of the Champions League. Not bad, hey?

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