Manchester City had a fantastic offseason, no doubt. They filled all the hole needed. However, striking out on the last group of targets will sting.
Where is Alexis Sanchez?
Where is Johnny Evans?
After such a great start to the transfer window, Manchester City ends the offseason with their head hanging. Its two top targets – Alexis Sanchez and Johnny Evans – remained on their respective club.
That is not to say that Manchester City had a terrible window. In fact, City had one of the most productive offseason, addressing almost all of its needs. The early signing of Bernardo Silva was a shrewd piece of business. Kyle Walker, Benjamin Mendy, and Danilo were a great addition to the fullback position. Ederson is a terrific long-term solution at the goalkeeper. Overall, Manchester City turned their weaknesses into strengths.
However, City fans can not feel but a little empty come September. The tease of Alexis Sanchez was too much. After multiple reports that the fee was agreed upon, that Alexis Sanchez announced his departure to the Chilean teammates, that Arsenal put in an outrageous bid for Thomas Lemar, it seemed to be done. The rumor was finally going to be the reality. The allegedly “leaked” (more like doctored) picture of Alexis Sanchez in a Man City kit did not help anyone.
Of course, Arsenal failed to attract Lemar or any replacement. Hence, they pulled out.
It evidently left a sour taste in everyone’s mouth. Manchester City thought they were finally signing Alexis Sanchez. The Chilean thought he was finally getting out of London. Arsenal fans thought they were finally free of the Sanchez saga. In the end, it was the incompetence of the London club board that tore the deal up. The forward was clearly unhappy, as seen during his World Cup Qualifiers game. This only furthers the already complicated Sanchez saga, dragging it until January and perhaps next summer.
Had City been able to sign him then and there, that would have been a perfect capstone to the transfer window.
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The Johnny Evans deal is another one that frustrated everyone. Ultimately, the deal hinged on Eliaquim Mangala leaving the club or not. With Crystal Palace making a £23m offer, it was all up to the Frenchman to leave. Instead of taking the hint and moving on, the center-back insisted on fighting for his place. What is left is a shaky backline option, a frustrated player, and even more frustrated fan base.
The supporters will undoubtedly show their lack of interest in Mangala, without a doubt. The Frenchman really struggled since coming from Porto for a hefty sum. Despite the clear notion that he is not part of Guardiola’s plan, the defender decided to play dumb. He insists on receiving minutes. The manager will have no choice but to use him as the primary back-up, with Adarabioyo and Denayer both loaned out. Despite that, it is likely that Mangala will not be in the good grace of Guardiola.
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Perhaps the saddest part is that this will define City’s transfer window. The bargain deal of Bernardo Silva and addition of Kyle Walker seem like a distant memory. The recency bias is a dangerous thing, and it is a natural thing. While things were out of City’s control, that will not matter to the public eyes. They will simply see that Sanchez is still with Arsenal and Evans is still with West Brom. Headlines will spell that City bottled it. Sure, people will ridicule Arsenal once again. Will public backlash sign Sanchez for us?
Certainly not.