Manchester City are considering Nathan Ake, Caglar Soyuncu and Johnny Evans as potential solutions to their central-defensive crisis according to Sky Sports’ Ben Ransom, as relayed by City Xtra on Twitter.
Pep Guardiola has been forced to play Fernandinho, a midfielder by trade in the heart of his defence after Aymeric Laporte sustained a serious knee injury versus Brighton back in September.
Will City sign a central-defender during the January transfer window?
Yes
No
These latest rumours have sparked a mixed response from the City faithful.
Should’ve bought Evans 2 years ago from west brom when we were actually linked lol
— Ryan Guerrier (@RStephaneG) December 31, 2019
Soyuncu only one who I’ll consider
— Elliot (@Ell_1894) December 30, 2019
Is Nathan Ake ok for back up? Wernt be bringing in VVD at one point to be back up for Otemendi and Stones. We don’t know what level he’s at yet so if we sign him he could be a masterstroke. Only time will tell
— Fletcher Skim (@DaveSkimmin) December 30, 2019
Jonny Evan’s will not work at man city ask any fan
— Denise Williams (@citydmw) December 31, 2019
Soyuncus is a steal!!!
— STOP TRYING TO BE GOD (@Tiniewez1) December 30, 2019
No more mangalas and otamendis tixi This is the man to fix or problems pic.twitter.com/oyKpv64O9D
— Artir (@Artirrr) December 30, 2019
What do we think?
For Manchester City to prise away either of Leicester City’s central defensive pair they will no doubt be required to pay a huge transfer fee, as they would for Kalidou Koudibaly as well. In regards to Nathan Ake, it’s understood that Chelsea inserted a buy-back clause into the contract when they sold him to Bournemouth and therefore they would have first refusal if he was to be sold.
Pep Guardiola has repeatedly said he will not move for a central defender in January, but if the right player was to become available it’s difficult to see City ignoring the opportunity to solve an issue that’s been their downfall so far this season.