Manchester City in my opinion are not in ‘crisis’ as many pundits like to state. But the side could be well fall into oblivion should they fail to sign significant players in the upcoming window. Since 2012 signings have been of a sub-par standard. Javi Garcia, Jack Rodwell, Scott Sinclair, Nastasic all arrived following the title winning heroics. And none served to enhance the success of the side.
Since 2013, only Fernandinho and Demichelis have proven to be consistent performers but are still short of being bona fide world class players. Moreover they are past the 30 year old mark, a problem the squad on the whole is suffering from. This article will highlight four players, all from La Liga, who can turn the fortunes of this ambitious side around.
Koke
Atletico dearly missed his energy, pace and creativity for long durations of this season. Although he seems to back in good form now, I believe his best form is yet to be seen. At 23 years old he already represents an upgrade on experienced individuals such as Samir Nasri and Jesus Navas. And consequently would become an automatic starter at City. With Barcelona unable to sign players in the summer and Atletico being unwilling to sell to Real Madrid, City really have a chance to capitalise on this and acquire a top talent. It is no secret that there is lack of pace and commitment among the forward players at the Ethihad and Koke should thus be their number one transfer target. I assume he would cost around £30,000,000 which is affordable for a club which will be selling names like Dzeko, Nasri, Toure, Kolarov and Jovetic.
Varane
City signed the wrong Frenchman to partner Vincent Kompany in central defence. At the time I was left unimpressed with the signing based on what I had seen of Mangala in the Europa League. On the ball Varane is sublime and can be the ‘first attacker’ for City. Since the City owners are adamant that the club must play like Barcelona, Varane ticks the box of being a replica of Pique. In the sense he is majestic by a centre half’s standard at delivering intricate and meaningful passes. With Varane’s playing time limited at Real, a big fee of around £35,000,000 may tempt Perez into selling. Furthermore Nasri or Jovetic could even be offered in part exchange.
Paco Alcacer
Although not a prolific goalscorer as of yet, this kid is improving in every game I see him play. Most strikers do not peak until 24-26 so he has time on his side to get to world class status. However he has already shown glimpses of greatness for Los che this season, the fact he has outshone Negredo this season is no mean feat. Paco is technically gifted and is frequently aware of his surroundings, something that cannot be said of Bony and Dzeko. I’d like to see City make a move for him mainly because he will grow into a brilliant player and he already possesses quality. The fact he can be attained for £20,000,000 is all the more appealing.
Antoine Griezmann
Possibly the most unlikeliest of the four but for me, the most exciting. Antoine can play anywhere in the font line and offers goals coupled with assists.
He has contributed massively to the resurgent of Fernando Torres, something which should not be overlooked. Moreover, the guy never stops running, a trait no doubt instilled into him by Simeone but nonetheless something that can be carried over to the Etihad. Given the fact he only moved to the Calderon last summer, there may be a fight to sign him but it is worth paying big bucks to get him as he’ll offer life to City offensively. £40,000,000 is my value approximately and I wouldn’t be shocked if he is sold for a fee eclipsing that.
Simeone?
I suppose the major talking point is who will manage City next season? Right now it seems to be a four way battle between Pellegrini, Rafa, Ancelotti and Simeone. The latter is my first choice for the fact he is the best motivator out there and demands a high work rate which creates a unified team. Of course, Pep remains an option in the eyes of many but for me Simeone is realistic and willing to re-locate.
If Atletico sell one or two star players, maybe it could be the turning point for Diego and he’ll wish to seek pastures new. I regard Atletico as being on a downward spiral now, the chance of winning silverware this season seams bleak. And it will do next season given Real Madrid’s transfer plans, where Pogba and Sterling are believed to lead the glamorous cast of targets.
Ultimately, City should seriously explore La Liga because their best signings have all come from here. Zabaleta, Toure, Silva and Aguero have been their four best players for years now. Perhaps this is no fluke, La Liga clearly moulds one’s technical skills, which is needed in tough European battles as City are still finding out the hard way.
