Sporting Lisbon's emerging star on the radar of Manchester City

Sporting Lisbon’s emerging star on the radar of Manchester City

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Sporting Lisbon midfielder Matheus Nunes has caught the attention of Manchester City ahead of the summer transfer window, reports UOL.

Matheus Nunes, 23, has been with Sporting Lisbon since January 2019 but he has gone strength-to-strength in the last 15-18 months. The central midfielder had played an instrumental role in Sporting’s league triumph last season, racking up three goals and two assists in 31 appearances.

The three-cap Portuguese international has taken his game to the next level this term and already played over 40 times in all competitions for Ruben Amorim’s side, who lie second in the table.

Nunes’ performances in Portugal haven’t gone unnoticed, with Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola understood to be impressed. In fact, Guardiola has even referred to him as “one of the best players in the world right now” after the midfielder made a strong impression on the Spanish tactician during Man City’s clash with Sporting in the Champions League round of 16 first leg.

UOL claims Sporting could be willing to part ways with Nunes in the summer transfer window should any club match their €40 million valuation. The central midfielder has a €60 million release clause in his contract running till 2026, but the Liga NOS giants are willing to offer a €20 million concession, the report adds.

Nunes has been one of Sporting’s most consistent players this season, and the fact that he received praise from Guardiola after his team’s 5-0 thrashing to Manchester City in the Champions League clearly suggest he must have really stood out.

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At 23, the Rio de Janeiro-born star could be a long-term replacement for Ilkay Gundogan at Man City. Gundogan has a contract at the Etihad Stadium until the summer of 2023, and with him entering his 30s, the Sky Blues may cash in on him this summer if there are no contract renewal plans.

Even if the Germany international does get an extension, Nunes could initially come in as a squad player before cementing his place in the City midfield. The Portuguese international seems to have a bright future ahead of him, and Manchester City must make efforts to land him in the summer, along with Erling Haaland.

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