It has been a fantastic season so far for the Man City fans in the Transfer Tavern. With last season serving as somewhat of a transitional campaign for Pep Guardiola, the pressure was on the Spaniard to deliver this term, and he most certainly has.
His side are far and away the best side in the Premier League, and at present, a quadruple is still very much a possibility this season.
However, it seems as though Guardiola’s focus is already heading towards the future. According to the Manchester Evening News, the Spaniard has personally hand-picked Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Fred as the ideal successor to Fernandinho in the midfield, with a move reportedly increasingly likely to happen next summer.
It’s a deal that has excited our resident Citizens, however, there is an argument to suggest that a move makes far more sense in the present. Sure, much of the hard work has already been done in the Premier League this season, but the Brazilian could benefit massively from joining now, as opposed to in six months time.
Whether that’s possible remains to be seen, but here are TWO reasons why Man City should bring Fred in this month…
Learn From The Best
If Guardiola views Fred as the successor to Fernandinho, it makes sense to allow him as much time as possible to learn from his Brazilian compatriot.
At 32-years-old, Fernandinho is edging towards the end of his career, and he will have so much to provide Fred as he looks to pass the torch.
Fernandinho’s contract expires at the end of the season, and whilst that is likely to be extended through to next year, he’ll be 33 by the time the next season starts, and so it remains to be seen just how much he will be able to play then – especially given how many games will be in the calender.
It makes sense to bring Fred in now, allow him to get a close up on a player that is in the form of his life, whilst also filling in for him when necessary. Not to mention, having an extra body to cover for Fernandinho would be a massive bonus.
Ease Him In
This season has been far from easy for Man City, but one thing is certain: next year will be even tougher. They’ve dominated in the Premier League, but you can bet that the likes of Man Utd, Chelsea and Tottenham will invest heavily over the next 6 months to try and bridge the gap.
That would be quite the baptism of fire for Fred, and it’s just unnecessary.
It makes far more sense for him to get eased into the fold at the Etihad, filling in where necessary and playing in Premier League games that – at this point – carry less pressure than they are likely to next season.
It’s never going to be easy in the Premier League, but in reality, if Man City keep winning and performing, the title will be as good as wrapped up by March. Then, Fred could come in regularly and play without fear of ruining everything.
