Manchester City: Transfer News and Rumour Roundup 7

The Young International

Aleksandr Zinchenko, 19, FC Ufa, Midfielder/Defender

This is one you’ll likely hear a bit more about, if you haven’t already, as it seems to be all but confirmed that Manchester City will land the young Ukrainian.

Reports have indicated that the Blues have been interested in Zinchenko for a few months now and talk seemingly came to a head, interestingly, in connection with Borussia Dortmund’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. At the time, City were actively and heavily pursuing the Bundesliga player of the year and BvB were playing hardball. How hard? £65million in transfer fees to begin with, alongside one overlooked request – remove your support for signing Zinchenko.

Dortmund wanted Zinchenko and were, until City came along, the front runners to acquire him. Now that things seemed to have cooled on Aubameyang, at least for now, little seems to stand in City’s way of actively acquiring Zinchenko, though whether or not they should is another issue.

The 19 year old may not be so much a stranger to you after all, given he featured in all 3 of the Ukraine’s Euro fixtures, including starting in one. He even scored, becoming the youngest player to score for his country on record. That all sounds impressive but he’s not really a goal scorer or even a tremendously apt player. Zinchenko is more raw potential, yet to be fully realised. He can score, he can defend, he can run and dribble and pass and all the above at a high level for someone his age, but ultimately it’s not going to be enough to put him in the starting XI at the Etihad.

Then again, Zinchenko is sought after precisely because of his versatility. He can play on the wings or at the back, and he does so both equally well. I could see Pep fancying an attacking defender role for the lad in the future, it’s his kind of thing. Not that we are likely to know because, if City do sign him as it seems they will, he’s likely to go out on loan almost straight away. Current rumours suggest PSV but it could be anywhere.

Ultimately, Zinchenko may be one for a present, weak Ukraine, but he’d only be one for a future Manchester City. I think he does have a future at the club and will develop into a top talent, Dortmund seemed to agree. For now though, City’s squad needs improvements from elsewhere.