City Transfer Target Evaluation — Part 2 (Left-Back)
Alex Sandro: Juventus F.C. (Brazilian international)
Rating: 8.9/10
Likelihood: 3.9/5
Another juicy potential signing. The possibility of Mendy or Sandro coming to City has got to have City fans going mad. In my mind, these two players should be prioritized as our top target (at left-back and overall).
In a team that frequently play 3 out of the back, Sandro acts as a full-back who has important defensive duties but is equally as vital going forward. A system like Allegri’s requires full-backs who are fluid in possession. Sandro is a crucial player in the system who combines well with his teammates when going forward and is strong on the defensive side as well. The Brazilian has shown his strengths in his positioning, provides dangerous crosses, makes crucial interceptions, and creates numerous chances. He is a perfect full-back for Pep’s system.
Juventus is a defensive stalwart without question; they stopped Monaco and Barcelona from scoring any goals. Yes, that may have been in part to Chiellini and Bonucci’s brilliance, but Alves and Sandro were equally as important.
I really hope management is on their game this summer in transfer negotiations; if we can snag Mendy or Sandro, we could have a frightening left side of the attack (while also providing cover defensively of course).
Almost forgot. Here’s a great highlight video of Sandro with Juve.
Rating Explanation:
Behind Marcelo and David Alaba (and maybe Filipe Luis), I see Sandro as one of the top left-backs in the world. No kidding, Brazil produces fantastic full-backs: see Alvez, Cafu, Roberto Carlos, and many up and coming stars. We would not be taking a gamble on Alex Sandro; what we would be getting is a proven star who could fit very well into Manchester City’s squad. Moreover, Sandro very well could be Marcelo’s heir (in Brazil and as the top left-back in the world).
In terms of comparison, check out this Squawka player comparison matrix to see what I mean. But defensively, Sandro is much better than Mendy, and also produces more chances and has a better pass completion per 90. Keeping that in mind, I rate Sandro a bit higher than Mendy, but also remember that Sandro has four years on Mendy.
Likelihood:
According to this Goal.com article, City Chief Txiki Begiristain was in Turin Tuesday night for the Champions League Semifinal clash between Monaco and Juventus. According to numerous reports, we are targeting him, but have not made a formal approach. It is very exciting to hear we are going for the Brazilian, who at 26 years old, may be in his prime years of football. Even better, City Watch has reported that Juventus may have already identified Filipe Luis as a potential suitor to be Sandro’s replacement. If this is true, all we need to do is offer Juve the correct sum of money.
Strengths:
- Tactical Flexibility
- Pace
- Chance creation
- Pass accuracy
- Tackling
Weaknesses:
- Commits fouls often