Two reasons why Manchester City must sign Marco Verratti
There are few over five days left of the transfer window, however Manchester City might not be done with business just yet.
Pep Guardiola has so far signed Riyad Mahrez from Leicester for a club record fee, followed by talented Dutch defender Philippe Sandler.
It was suggested the Sky Blues were finished with deals this summer, however according to Manchester Evening News, Marco Verratti has surfaced as a potential last-minute option.
The failed Jorginho transfer left Guardiola without the holding midfielder he craved. But the opportunity to sign Verratti, a player who can perform similar duties to Jorginho, cannot be passed up.
Here are two reasons why City should strongly pursue Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Marco Verratti.
Midfield reinforcements still needed
Despite what many optimistic fans say, Manchester City need one more midfielder to fortify the centre of the pitch.
Although David Silva, Fernandinho and Ilkay Gundogan are all viable options – as proved last term – the former two are ageing and Pep Guardiola should think about the future.
Silva and Fernandinho are 32 and 33 respectively, and admittedly their peaking years are coming to an end. While they could be starters for this season in its entirety, beyond that Manchester City need to place trust in younger players and build for campaigns to come.
Marco Verratti, a consistent first-team man at PSG, has his prime years ahead of him at only 25 years old. He claimed a move away from the French capital is his chief desire, and Manchester City should capitalise on that.
He will be at his zenith in a few years’ time, and under Pep Guardiola’s guidance Verratti could become a special player at Manchester City.
City’s title-winning team, including the substitutes, might have been near flawless, however other clubs have developed and are still developing. The Sky Blues need to do the same.
Verratti can certainly perform the role Fernandinho has been doing so effectively for years, and the injection of invigoration and youth into the side can only be a good thing.
His stalwart defensive responsibilities, coupled with a handy footballing brain, makes the Italian more than just a holding midfielder. He can spark attacking play, and alongside Kevin de Bruyne that is always a positive.
On the surface he is the perfect man to bring in, after the Jorginho saga. Guardiola insisted he doesn’t need another midfielder in this window, however opportunity has knocked and the Spaniard needs to grasp it.