As City look to the academy for the future the short-term appears to favor loans to Spanish outfit Girona.
Last season Guardiola was highly critical of the youth league set up in England. He believed that a lack of competitive action was hindering the progress of City’s youngsters. The Spanish manager even went on to suggest that having ‘b’ teams within the football league pyramid would help. Whilst that is unlikely to happen considering the push back from multiple sources in regards to Premier League under 23’s team taking part in the Checkatrade Cup, City seems to have found another solution. Girona Futbol Club, now 50% owned by the CFG, may well be used to provide that experience.
Following their promotion to La Liga last season, the Catalan club took four City youngsters on loan for the season. Pablo Maffeo, Aleix Garcia, Douglas Luiz and Marlos Moreno have all joined on year-long loans. It is hoped that the moves will help the players make the steep step up from promising youngsters to first team regulars. Maffeo and Garcia already tasted first team football last season with both featuring in various cup games. However, neither Moreno, who spent last season on loan at Deportivo la Coruna, or new signing Douglas Luiz has played a first team game for City.
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Would loan moves to lower league teams rather than Girona serve them better?
Loan moves to lower leagues are undoubtedly proven to be effective. Players like Harry Kane from the Spurs benefitted from them. However, the loans to Girona will help mold our youngsters in a number of ways, most importantly is playing in a style that mirrors City’s first team.
The moves are viewed as a key part of the progress needed for City’s youngsters to press on and push for a first team place. Playing at the top-level and against world class players as well as in a formation that may well mirror City’s will only serve to improve those youngsters who have moved already and those who will make the temporary move in the future.
Will playing at Girona guarantee a first team spot next season?
There are certainly no guarantees in football. Regardless, both Maffeo and Garcia should challenge for their spots. With City signing only three full backs in Mendy, Walker & Danilo, who is able to play on both sides, Maffeo should challenge Walker for a place in the squad. With both Yaya Toure and Fernandinho out of contract in the summer, Garcia will be able to stake a claim alongside Ilkay Gundogan should both move on. Moreno may well find it tougher with stiff competition for places on the wings. Raheem Sterling and Leroy Sané claimed those spots last year, but anything can happen. Douglas Luiz is, at this moment, an unknown quantity but should he impress he may well find himself in midfield alongside Garcia.
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If the moves are a success expect more of City’s youngsters to make the temporary move abroad.