While there has been no official word from the club as of yet, Manchester City appear to have secured the transfers of Valencia winger Ferran Torres and Bournemouth defender Nathan Aké for just over £60 million.
Following the outcome of Manchester City’s Court of Arbitration for Sport victory over UEFA, spending on transfers was promised to bolster the squad after finishing 18 points off champions Liverpool.
That spending appears to have arrived, as Pep Guardiola has reportedly found his replacement for Leroy Sané in 20 year old Spanish youth star Ferran Torres. With six goals and eight assists in all competitions this year, he emerged as one of La Liga’s brightest prospects and one that seems a natural fit for Guardiola’s system. With an initial price tag of £23 million, it seems a bargain given his ceiling and skills that should have an immediate impact on City’s first team rotation.
Perhaps even more notable, however, is the other of City’s reportedly complete transfers. Following Bournemouth’s relegation to the Championship, it seemed natural that several key players such as Callum Wilson, David Brooks, Josh King and Nathan Aké would remain in the top flight. Given City’s need to bring in support in central defense along with Aké’s desire to play top level football, it seems a natural fit. The Dutchman can pick an excellent pass, and if no other signings are brought in, he seems the best defender to pair with Aymeric Laporte.
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However, upon a deeper look, I believe Aké will not be the final center-back signing. First and foremost, he is left-footed, much like Laporte, and would therefore be an unnatural partner for him. In addition, City have been consistently linked for the entirety of the season with a big name, top level central defender. While City do not typically target this type of player, usually preferring to bring in bright young talents from around Europe and mold them into stars, I believe this could be different. City’s track record with defensive signings is inconsistent at best, so I believe experience and a steady known quantity is the best option when shooting for the top level.
Moreover, a backup left-footer such as Aké would be a perfect fill-in option along with right-footed Eric García, which could clear the path for John Stones and Nicolás Otamendi to depart the club this summer. Although a move for City’s main link, Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly has stalled, I believe the club will get a transfer deal over the line.
Regardless of the nature of these deals, should they be finalized in the coming days, they are both fantastic transfers for City. The future is still bright, and with a Champions League campaign and a new season just over the horizon, it could be even brighter soon.