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City Transfer Target Evaluation — Part 1

By Taras Tataryn

Bravo has proven he can't be City's No. 1
Bravo has proven he can't be City's No. 1 /
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Jack Butland: Stoke City (England international)

Rating: 7.7/10

Likelihood: 3.2/5

BERLIN, GERMANY – MARCH 26: Goalkeeper Jack Butland of England reacts during the International Friendly match between Germany and England at Olympiastadion on March 26, 2016 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Boris Streubel/Getty Images)
BERLIN, GERMANY – MARCH 26: Goalkeeper Jack Butland of England reacts during the International Friendly match between Germany and England at Olympiastadion on March 26, 2016 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Boris Streubel/Getty Images) /

While his progress has been hindered by injuries, Butland still continues to be heavily monitored by Guardiola and his staff, according to the Manchester Evening News. The Stoke City star has been highly regarded as Joe Hart’s successor, having made 3 appearances for the senior team. Like the others on this list, he is still young, so he definitely has time to develop.

In terms of style, Butland is well-known to come off his line, and has been highly successful at it, but can also serve as a major weakness. Nonetheless, Butland is very agile, has tremendous reflexes having made numerous lightning-quick saves, and has a great aerial reach.

Overall, Butland would be another great keeper to add to our lineup. Fingers crossed he stays injury-free, he could definitely develop into a Pep-style goalkeeper. Even better, he would add to our homegrown tally.

Rating Explanation: During the 2016 season, Butland was consistently top of the charts in statistical categories including saves made, clean sheets, clean sheets %, save %, etc. He managed to have great stats on par with Joe Hart all while playing on a far less superior team (although I would argue our backline of Demichelis and Otamendi was quite horrid at the time).

Butland’s 2016 season was a season to remember, but his injury on international duty quieted the hype a bit. He has been overshadowed by his fellow English international, Pickford, who could very well join City as well.

Likelihood: Butland has a history of injuries, but if he is able to shrug these off, he could very well be a great signing. The Citizens would be getting much of what we got with Joe Hart, but honestly, Butland would provide more consistent performances and fewer mistakes than Hart’s last season with City, surely.

I don’t see Stoke City selling Butland, but if he is available City should definitely at least try for him.

Strengths:

  • Aerial Strength
  • Shot-stopping
  • Agility
  • Quick reflexes

Weaknesses: 

  • Injury-prone
  • Tends to punch (still better than Bravo’s)
  • Comes out too much