Ally McCoist doubts whether Pep Guardiola would even try to sign a certain 25-year-old player in the summer.
As the 2023/2024 season is now about to draw to a close, Manchester City will be linked with a whole host of players across all positions, whether or not it is a problem area in their squad.
For instance, Lucas Paqueta.
On Friday, it was claimed that City were in talks with West Ham United to sign the Brazilian, who was keen to join the Premier League champions, according to the report.
Right before the treble-winners’ 3-1 win against West Ham at the London Stadium, Lucas Paqueta went over to greet Pep Guardiola and his staff.
Considering Paqueta has had a tremendous season in East London, perhaps Guardiola might be more convinced than ever that he is Manchester City quality — especially considering it was reported his move to the club was close to being finalised in the summer.
McCoist questions if Guardiola will even try to sign 25-year-old star
Another player who has seemingly been linked with joining the Sky Blues is Bruno Guimaraes, as he fits the bill of a City player — technically gifted, intelligent and a winner.
It was reported in March that Pep Guardiola is a “big fan” of the Brazilian international.
Furthermore, it was claimed on Monday that there is a “verbal agreement” in place that will allow Guimaraes and Newcastle to talk to Champions League clubs about his potential exit for a fee lower than his £100 million release clause.
The report also stated that if a club in Europe’s elite competition offered to sign the highly-rated midfielder for £80 million, the Magpies would consider selling him.
If such conditions are indeed true, Guardiola would presumably be on board with such a deal.
However, there is another player currently plying his trade who has been speculated about joining City in the past.
That is Eberechi Eze, who Ally McCoist doubts Pep Guardiola would be open to signing at Manchester City.
“Is he capable of playing there? Yes. I don’t think that would be a move for him. I don’t think. I just don’t see Pep [Guardiola] making that move”, he said on talkSPORT [9:25 am, 23/04/2024].
Where would Guardiola even fit Eze in at Manchester City?
As Ally McCoist stated, Eberechi Eze has the quality to play for Manchester City but in our view, the question is where Pep Guardiola would even fit him into his side.
Some might respond by claiming Eze could play in midfield for City.
But then, the Englishman’s profile of midfielder is perhaps not as valuable to the Sky Blues, as one questions whether he can partner Rodri as a part of a double pivot, both in and out of possession.
Unless Pep Guardiola views Eberechi Eze as a makeshift right-winger, Ally McCoist does raise a valid point.
Or if say, Eze is viewed as a potential option at left-wing, with perhaps Doku moved to the right flank permanently next season.
But if that was the plan in place to fit the 25-year-old into the City team, it might not sound wholly convincing to Guardiola, considering his best position is in midfield.
