Manchester City watching Leicester defensive partnership
Continuing defensive injury issues have left Manchester City nine points off leaders Liverpool, leading to links to several of Europe’s most promising defenders, including Leicester duo Çağlar Söyüncü and Jonny Evans, per Sky Sports.
Manchester City will likely look to bring in a central defender in January after failing to replace Vincent Kompany in the summer and losing Aymeric Laporte to injury just four games into the season.
Despite scoring a league-best 35 goals and creating 199 chances, City sit nine off leaders Liverpool in fourth place. Leicester City have had a fantastic start to the league season under Brendan Rodgers, sitting in second place and having conceded a league-best eight goals.
Center-back partnership Jonny Evans and Çağlar Söyüncü, who has replaced Manchester United signing Harry Maguire, have played every minute of Leicester’s stunning start through 12 matches, catching the eye of Manchester City.
Evans has been on manager Pep Guardiola’s radar since his time at West Brom, and at 31 years old, would provide Premier League experience and stability to a backline that truly lacks it at the moment. Söyüncü is an ideal partner, as he has looked exceptional with the ball at his feet (a trait Guardiola values highly) and comfortable in defense at just 23 years old.
More from Man City Transfer Rumors
- Real Madrid to sign Julian Alvarez next year?
- Man City submit new bid for Matheus Nunes, after first was rejected
- Manchester City’s busy transfer week rounded-up
- Manchester City reported to make a sensational move for FC Barcelona midfielder
- Fulham and West Ham register interest in Manchester City defender
The Turkish international is perhaps the more likely signing of the two, as his skillset and age fit the bill for what Guardiola is seeking from his defenders. Although it may not be the high-profile signing that would compare to the likes of Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly or Inter’s Milan Škriniar, Söyüncü brings English football experience and pedigree, and could even be an integral part of returning Leicester to the Champions League next season.
Therefore, it may be difficult to price the Foxes out of their star defenders, as they are beginning to separate from the pack as a true top-four contender. Leicester will not let either go without a hefty fee, and it seems nearly impossible that they would let both leave to a direct top four rival.
Next. Bayern Munich ‘dreaming’ of Pep Guardiola return. dark
Nonetheless, the fact that City are linked with potential moves for defenders is a positive sign. If they want to find a way back into the title race and contend for the Champions League, they will need to strengthen at the back, something that should have been done last summer.