Man City have been rather impressive on the transfer front over the last few years. The Citizens have brought in some incredible talents, and when combined with Pep Guardiola’s management, they’ve built a team that is capable of taking on any other team in Europe.
Indeed, that’s highlighted by their pursuit of four separate trophies this season, with the Citizens still in the Champions League, FA Cup and the race for the Premier League title, whilst they’ve already bagged the Carabao Cup.
However, they’re now looking to improve on their team, with ESPN reporting that City are close to a deal for Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez. He’s apparently viewed as the potential long-term replacement for Fernandinho, and a deal could be reached this summer.
It’s a deal that would transform the City team, with Saul undeniably a top talent, but what impact would his arrival have on the rest of the squad?
Let’s take a look at THREE potential consequences…
Fernandinho Role Reduced
Naturally, Saul Niguez would be brought in as the long-term replacement for Fernandinho, and so an obvious consequence of his arrival would be Fernandinho’s significance in the team reducing.
Make no mistake, he’ll still have a role to play. He has a ton of experience and he’s perfectly suited to this system, and Saul is also likely to have an adjustment period in the Premier League if he moves to City.
However, in big games, you’d expect Saul to get the nod, and he’d likely be considered the first choice in the role. Given the number of competitions that the team will have to play, however, Fernandinho would still likely get enough game time to keep him happy.
That said, Saul’s arrival would begin the phasing out of City’s Brazilian maestro.
Ilkay Gundogan Departs
However, might it spell the end for Ilkay Gundogan. Amid suggestions that City would allow him to leave if he wanted, the arrival of Saul would represent another barrier for the midfielder into becoming a first-team regular at the Etihad.
He’s been a rotational option this season, and his involvement would only reduce next term.
The reality is that he’s good enough to be playing for a top European side, and so that’s likely to be a much more exciting prospect for him than potentially being third in the pecking order at Man City.
Not to mention, would City want to cash in on him? If he’s not playing, there’s no point keeping a player of his quality on the sidelines.
Spending Reduced
Man City have spent big since the arrival of Pep Guardiola, but they’ve also spent wisely. They’ve only spent within their means, and they’ve refused to overpay for targets.
As a result, a move for Saul, which ESPN report could be demand a bid of as much €80 million (£69.2 million), would represent a huge financial investment from the Citizens.
This could, then, impact on the rest of City’s transfer plans. They’re no longer a team that is willing to spend hundreds of millions every year, and so beyond Saul, maybe City could afford one or maybe two other deals, and even that could be a stretch.
Either way, signing a player of Saul’s quality is likely to be the peak of City’s summer.
