The Manchester City fans in the Transfer Tavern are expecting to see Riyad Mahrez arrive at the club this summer, but reports earlier this week have given them reason to discuss the credentials of a potential alternative to the Algerian ace.
According to a report from the Italian media outlet Premium Sport HD, City are interested in signing Douglas Costa this summer in a deal which would be a worth a whopping £88 million, despite the fact he recently agreed to complete a permanent switch from Bayern Munich to Juventus following a season long-loan with the Old Lady.
In response to reports one of our regular punters took to Twitter to report on how the news was received by the City supporters, and it’s fair to say it went down like a lead balloon. The Citizens’ faithful lambasted the rumour and were quick to label Costa as a player the club should avoid, however, there is plenty of reason to suggest the supporters are wrong about the Brazil international.
City came unstuck in the Champions League last season against a Liverpool side who put in a defensive masterclass across both legs to prevent the likes of Leroy Sane and Raheem Sterling from utilising their flair and creativity in the final-third. With little by way of alternatives to call upon from the bench, City’s European campaign fizzled out against the eventual finalists, so it’s no wonder Guardiola is widely believed to be pursuing Mahrez’s signature.
However, there are plenty of parallels to be drawn between Mahrez and Costa: they are both left-footed players who prefer to cut-inside from the right and use their dazzling dribbling ability to great effect, but can also operate on the left or in a number ten role. Costa also has plenty of Champions League experience at two prestigious clubs to bring to the table, whereas Mahrez has only 1 year of experience in the competition with a club who had no realistic aspirations of lifting the trophy.
Sure, the £88 million fee which was quoted in the article presumably represents the major cause of concern for the supporters, but with figures as high as £75 million being quoted for Mahrez, there is little to distinguish between the two deals.
Quite simply, a deal which saw City complete the signing of Costa would give City a huge boost in their quest to lift the Champions League trophy in the years to come, so the supporters who were quick to pour scorn over the rumoured deal will be forced to eat their words if the 27-year-old eventually arrives at the Etihad Stadium.
Man City fans – thoughts? Let us know below!
