Manchester City: Linked with ‘new Pirlo’ Sandro Tonali
Manchester City are reportedly scouting 19-year old Italian midfielder Sandro Tonali, who plays for Pep Guardiola’s former club Brescia, according to City Xtra.
Although Manchester City are spoiled for choice in the middle of the park, manager Pep Guardiola could be looking to add new blood into the mix. Italy and Brescia star Sandro Tonali, who has been likened by scouts, media, and fans to former Juventus and AC Milan great Andrea Pirlo, is reportedly on the club’s radar.
Tonali is a highly-gifted technical footballer who plays as a deep-lying playmaker. He fits the profile of the type of player Guardiola likes to employ at the base of his three-man midfield, although given the competition at the position, which includes record-signing Rodri, Fernandinho, and İlkay Gündoğan, it could be difficult to get into the side.
City are reportedly scouting the player for next summer, and scouts from the club will reportedly watch Tonali face Serie A giants Roma on Sunday. At just 19 years old, he has already established himself as a regular in former City boss Roberto Mancini’s Italy side, which qualified for Euro 2020 in dominant fashion with a perfect 10 wins from 10 and a goal difference of 33. Tonali featured in each of the last three qualifying matches for his country.
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He has been linked away from Serie A minnows Brescia for some time now, where he has made 64 appearances since 2017. He has potential to be one of the world’s best in his position, and at such a young age, could be molded into a special asset under Guardiola. He fits the profile of the type of talent that Manchester City like to bring in and given Guardiola’s connection with Brescia, it seems like a natural move.
However, given the quality and depth of the players at City, it would be difficult for Tonali to find his way into the first team at the moment. While this link is clearly aimed toward the future and the player Tonali can become, he needs time to develop before he is ready to walk into one of the best and most competitive starting XI’s. Overall, while he would be a nice signing, central defense remains the priority for City both in January and next summer.