Manchester City: Bravo to PSG
When he first arrived in the Premier League, he didn’t impress. It didn’t help that the Chilean was replacing a harshly discarded Joe Hart. Having been at Manchester City for a decade before his loan to Torino, it was unclear as to what Pep wanted from his keeper.
Fast forward a season, and in Ederson Morales we have our answer. Certainly more have come across to Pep’s way of thinking and maybe, just maybe, his Hart decision has finally been justified. With the arrival of the Brazilian, Bravo’s role also changed. This season he has been used for only a handful of Premier League games, while being front and center for the domestic cup games.
Being out of the spotlight seems to have suited Bravo, and it showed in his performances. Turning 35 in less than a month I was hoping he’d want to stay at the Blues. It seems however, he still has first team aspirations.
Withdrawing from the Chilean National side recently, apparently because they wouldn’t bring his goal keeping coach of choice, his International career might be all but done. That would have suited Pep Guardiola, but it seems the City of love may be the beneficiaries.
Of course, he has to move where he feels he will play more games. He certainly wouldn’t be the first back-up keeper to do so. And the City of love could be the ideal destination. From Manchester to Paris St Germain is the latest rumor doing the rounds. But PSG have their own issues right now.
Will their manager, Unai Emery, still be there? All the pundits are suggesting that this season will be his last with elimination from the Champions League. Neymar also started to beat the drums of unrest. Hoping for even more money if the Parisians wish him to stay.
The real question, despite all these distractions, is he better than what the side have currently. To that question the answer has to be yes. Alphonse Areola is still young and learning his trade, but has been involved in the squad for the latest French friendlies. Although he didn’t get a game, it’s clear Deschamps sees him as the future.
Kevin Trapp is the other keeper on PSG’s books and, although 27, was dropped in favor of Areola. So, there are a lot of questions to answer if Bravo decides to move, both for him and the club buying.