Manchester City scout promising Real Sociedad talent
By Akhil Prasad
Mikel Oyarzabal is one of Spain’s most cherished attacking threats. The 24-year-old Real Sociedad winger-cum-attacking midfielder has established himself as an indispensable part of the Basque club ever since he first burst upon the professional stage in October 2015 after being promoted to the first team.
Now, Manchester City’s very own long-time director of football Txiki Begiristain, who has been at the helm since 2012, is said to be extremely interested in luring his fellow Spaniard.
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According to reports from Mundo Deportivo journalist Ángel López, the Cityzens chief has a ‘special fixation’ for the Real Sociedad youth product’s quality, charisma, and character.
The two Spaniards share the same roots, having been raised in the Gipuzkoa province of Basque country, just 50 kilometers away from one another. Besides, they are both products of Real Sociedad Cantera.
However, just before Spain’s crucial clash with Slovakia in the Euro 2020 final group matchday, the forward ended up shrugging off the links by stating: “It’s the usual, in the end now we know how this world of football works. I’m calm and I want to continue growing as a footballer.”
The Real attacker has been on the sights of City since 2019 when he first emerged in reports cited as a backup plan for Leroy Sane’s departure to Bayern Munich, which did not go through due to the German being hampered by injuries. The following season Ferran Torres appeared as a bright and affordable option, ahead of Oyarzabal who was linked with a move to the Etihad Stadium once again. However, this time – the third time – may be the charm.
He is the second La Liga player to be linked with City, after reports emerged of Cityzens’ interest Real Madrid’s Raphael Varane.
As of the moment, Oyarzabal will be readily available for talks in the range of €70m. His contract in Basque country expires in three years’ time – in June 2024.
Spanish outlet La Razón recently reported that La Real will not negotiate anything below €75m.
City are on the hunt for the talent of a striker after the departure of Argentine veteran Aguero to Barcelona.
The club are already in talks with Tottenham for their No.9 Harry Kane after lodging an official £100m bid. Earlier, Begiristain also reportedly held talks with Erling Haaland’s father Alf-Inge Haaland & agent Mino Raiola for a potential high-profile move for the Norwegian talent.
As a winger, Oyarzabal is different from the crop of players recently targeted by City.
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Oyarzabal might have flagged down the links, but it goes without saying that a transfer to the Premier League with Manchester City would be an upgrade from his current scenario.
Having spent his entire playing career in the sunny north of Spain, it remains to be seen if the skillful left-winger will make way to the chilly environs of Manchester.
At only 24, he has capped more than 250 times for La Real, scoring 67 goals in the process.