It seems like Manchester City may already be on the verge of making their first summer signing.
Considering City are in the most crucial part of their season, the fact that they have one eye on bolstering their team for the following campaign is mightily impressive.
Perhaps this long-term vision is the reason why Pep Guardiola and Co. are one of the select few truly elite clubs in the world.
Being one of the top clubs in football due to one’s history is one thing.
But it is imperative for such a club to operate as a footballing giant and Manchester City seem to be doing so season after season as they are already looking ahead to the following campaign.
The goal at the Etihad Stadium is to prolong their reign at the top; as one notices with how a team like Real Madrid also operates.
Player’s agents expect him to make Manchester City summer transfer
The treble-winners do have some problem areas in their squad to address ahead of the summer of 2024.
One of those positions is in central midfield, with Mateo Kovacic and Matheus Nunes yet to cement their places in the side yet.
Granted, the pair are playing their debut seasons at the club and as a result, they merit the following term to showcase their class.
However, City are yet to replace Ilkay Gundogan; a midfielder who is capable of contributing at a world-class level in all phases of play and in football in general, he is one-of-a-kind in terms of his profile.
The type of player who can defend in a double pivot but also pop up with goals and assists in the final third at will is a rarity.
Rodri has tried to fulfil such a role and has done so in style but his primary position remains at the base of midfield.
That is where Lucas Paqueta comes in, as journalist Santi Aouna has revealed on X that his agents expect him to join Manchester City in the summer.
Furthermore, it has been stated that Paqueta and City have reached an agreement on personal terms, which include details like his salary and the length of his contract.
However, it has been specified that as things stand, there are no talks in place between the Sky Blues and West Ham United regarding the 26-year-old’s potential move.
Paqueta would be the perfect City signing for the present and the future
In the present, if Lucas Paqueta did sign for Manchester City, he would be given the freedom to venture into the final third, just like he does currently at West Ham.
However, Paqueta also possesses an engine, which would make him ideal for a City side that would require him to defend in a double pivot alongside Rodri.
By the time Kevin De Bruyne calls it a day, the Brazilian’s arrival could mean the club’s future midfield could be set in stone.
Rodri, Lucas Paqueta and Phil Foden could be the midfield trio in sky blue for years to come and just the sound of that is majestic.
With Paqueta in his prime at 26 years old, securing his services in the summer of 2024 would be a splendid piece of business from City.