da blaze casino： Another overhaul of personnel is underway at Manchester City this summer following the appointment and arrival of Pep Guardiola at the Etihad for the coming season.
da luck： The Sky Blues have already signed midfielder Ilkay Gundogan, and most recently Spanish ace Nolito, who was being chased by a number of other Premier League clubs.
Guardiola’s new club have also seen themselves linked with a number of other high profile players across Europe, including Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, John Stones and Leroy Sane – however the man allegedly next on the former Barcelona manager’s hit-list is Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago Alcantara.
The Spanish international is said to be in ‘advanced talks’ with the powers that be at City over a move to Manchester, according to recent reports from El Confidencial. We at FFC Towers think that Alcantara can be the perfect solution to City’s midfield woes, and here are FIVE reasons why ….
Relationship with Pep
Thiago made his Barcelona debut under Pep Guardiola and later followed him to Bayern Munich in 2013, as his first signing for the then German champions.
The pair also share the same agent – Pep’s brother, Pere Guardiola – and his now twice former boss is said to be somewhat of a ‘father figure’ to the Spain and Bayern star. They know each other extremely well and hence the transition to Manchester would be seamless.
Proven Record
Despite having an injury filled spell in Germany, the 25 year old’s class has never been doubt. While he has only made 79 appearances across three seasons for the Bavarians, Thiago has still chipped in with nine goals and plenty of assists to boot, helping his side win three consecutive Bundesliga titles.
The midfielder also has four La Liga titles to his name, two Champions league winners medals and seven other domestic title victories on his long CV.
Nolito and David Silva
If Guardiola really does want to change the style of football in Manchester, he is going to need a group of like minded players to help do so. Spaniards David Silva and Nolito are now both playing in blue together, so add Thiago to that mix and you have a mouth-watering attacking midfield zone full of Spain internationals.
The trio could work terrifically across Pep’s midfield together, and having all played together at International level, already know each other extremely well.
[ad_pod id=’1617-transfers’ align=’center’]
City Departures
A number of players – including many playing in midfield – are likely to leave City this summer as Guardiola begins to implement his own style at the Etihad. Brazilian Fernando is favourite for the chop, and Samir Nasri and Yaya Toure also seem destined for the exit door.
That leaves plenty of space in the City midfield, and Thiago is more than capable of filling in either an attacking or defensive role.
[ad_pod id=’1617-transfers’ align=’center’]
Bayern’s Options
Bayern are an outrageously strong outfit. In their glistening midfield they already have the likes of Mario Gotze, Arjen Robben, Douglas Costa, Franck Ribery, Xabi Alonso, Arturo Vidal, Kingsley Coman and more.
The German title holders have also just signed Portuguese wonder-kid Renato Sanches from Benfica, so opportunities are becoming more and more limited. A move away may be not only a great move for City, but also the best one for Thiago himself.
[ad_pod id=’1617-transfers’ align=’center’]