Manchester City to battle with Barcelona for the signing of Ajax star
A huge summer transfer battle between Manchester City, Barcelona and Napoli for Ajax star Nicolas Tagliafico is reportedly beckoning. Calciomercato has reported that Man City admires the left-back as he continues to impress at Ajax.
Nicolas Tagliafico, 29, signed for Ajax from Independiente in January 2018 and has been one of the club’s consistent players. However, he has seen his game time reduce this term, with the Argentinean international restricted to 13 appearances and only 21 in all formats. As a result, perhaps, the left-back wants to leave Ajax at the end of the season, claims Calciomercato.
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Tagliafico has admirers at Manchester City, Napoli and Barcelona, with all three clubs seeking defensive reinforcements. The Sky Blues have been on the lookout for a left-back for a while now. After the club banned Benjamin Mendy indefinitely last August, Pep Guardiola has been limited to just two options in Joao Cancelo and Oleksandr Zinchenko.
Cancelo has established himself as arguably the best left-back in the Premier League in the last two seasons, despite being a natural right-back. The Portuguese international has started every single Premier League game this term so far, contributing with a goal and five assists.
But, with Zinchenko’s future at the Etihad Stadium uncertain, Manchester City could do with strengthening the left-back department. Tagliafico, in that regard, becomes a viable target for the Cityzens.
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Having played over 150 times for Ajax, Tagliafico has no shortage of experience at the highest level and had played a key role in the Dutch club’s run to the Champions League semi-finals three years back. He would provide Manchester City with a solid left-back option, whilst competing and covering for Cancelo. The Argentinean will offer depth in that position, thereby, boosting City’s overall squad.
At 29, Tagliafico is operating at the peak of his powers, and his toughness, experience and quality shown with Ajax over the last few years would hugely benefit Man City if they manage to secure his signature in the summer.