City fans got a huge and unexpected surprise as Guardiola managed to sign world-class defender Aymeric Laporte. Why is this a surprise? Because it’s quite rare to see £60m being spent in January.
It was a necessary move though as now the central defensive line looks more than complete. Kompany, Otamendi and Stones were already 3 of the best in the world. Signing Laporte who is 23, completes the perfect roster for Guardiola to choose from for at least 2 or 3 years from now.
The now former Athletic Bilbao man could be a game-changer as he looks more than ready to battle any Premier League striker. The competition among defenders will be fierce which can only bring improvements to the quality of the game.
Laporte, although young, will surely want to be part of the starting eleven and will probably battle Kompany for that.
There’s one other solution – changing the formation to a 3 defender layout. Just imagine how City would look like with Otamendi, Kompany and Laporte. Walker could easily play as a right wing-back and Sane as left wing-back if he recovers from the nasty injury he sustained against Cardiff. This could solve a lot at least this season seeing as the Citizens do not have a regular left-back available.
Regardless of what happens, this is an amazing signing. Laporte has been one of the most sought-after players in the world for 2 years now. Barcelona, Real, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool have been rumored to be interested in the Frenchman and to even have make bids. Aside from bringing quality to the team, Laporte is also a statement. Guardiola’s side has joined the likes of Real, Bayern, Barcelona and Manchester United in terms of popularity, power and management. They can buy anyone but still spend their money wisely as Laporte seems to be worth every penny.
It seems as though City are not content with just the addition of Laporte as Sky Sports Transfer Centre have been reporting.
Seemingly. that the Citizens have made a bid to Leicester City in excess of £50 million to sign Riyad Mahrez plus the Algerian playmaker has reportedly handed in a transfer request to the Foxes obviously looking to force through a move to the Etihad Stadium to play under Pep.
Update: January 31st 2018 – 15:30 – the latest from Sky Sports Transfer Deadline Day show has Manchester City making their final big for Riyad Mahrez at £65 million which seems quite some way short of the Leicester City valuation which has the Algerian forward worth over £100 million. Leicester City do not need to sell and are clearly prepared to turn down offers as they did last summer when Mahrez also handed in a transfer request trying to force through a move.
Update: January 31st 2018 -21:00 – So the latest news has Leicester City turning down Man City’s final offer for Riyad Mahrez. The Algerian forward looks set to miss out on a transfer for the second transfer window in a row. It seems the Foxes are serious about the £100million valuation they have placed on Mahrez and a deal looks very unlikely with City reportedly having dropped their interest in the player.