Transfer Story
Manchester City have decided to offload a number of players from their squad this summer after refusing to give certain players a contract extension. As per latest reports, the Etihad hierarchy has decided to let go of their left back, Gael Clichy after the Frenchman’s contract expired this summer as Pep looks to rejuvenate and re-galvanise his team with a top to bottom reshuffle.
The Frenchman has been unable to impress the Catalan producing mixed performance throughout the season and as per latest reports, Reds’ manager, Jurgen Klopp is currently interested in signing the Sky Blues’ outcast.
It was believed the veteran defender might move back to his homeland after such a long stint out but a prospective return to the top tier English football along with the chance of playing in the Champions League might actually persuade the 31-year-old veteran to think twice about his future.
Let’s take a look at the stats and performance of the Frenchman for the Sky Blues for the season gone by.
Gael Clichy – Player Stats
- The 31-year-old has had a more or less consistent season with 24 first team starts in his total of 25 appearances in the Premier League.
- In his total game time with the Sky Blues in the Premier League, he has only scored 1 goal.
- The player has maintained a pass success rate of 85% and made a total of 16 key passes for the club in all competitions. Although the once lethal full back has lost a fair amount of speed in his game, his calmness and composure in picking out players to build up gameplay seems to remain intact.
- The player has also made a total of 57 interceptions and maintained a tackle success rate of 64%. Not too bad for some who is 31. It goes to show the experience and vision the player has to thwart early attacks. (whoscored)
What’ll he offer the Club?
Although the player has lost his speed and lethality to a certain extent, his experience, calmness and composure at the back would be an ideal addition to any club.
Klopp is presently looking to add some depth and quality to his squad and the addition of Clichy might provide them with just that. Liverpool have conceded 42 goals in the Premier League this season, a number that Klopp would like to see drastically reduced in the near future.
Adding the likes of experienced stalwarts like Clichy might help the German with the existing problem at the backline, where his defenders have conceded many goals due to lack of technical awareness. Getting Clichy’s service at the back would no doubt give an added assurance to Klopp given the high tactical awareness of the Frenchman.
Worth the Money?
Having to spend virtually no money at all it could be seen as a stellar signing. Many managers like to acquire the services of veteran players in their squad to exemplify proper playing tactics and techniques and Klopp might just do that with Clichy.
No doubt it would be a transfer much adored by the Reds as they have already seen Clichy’s ex-teammate James Milner become a fan favourite amongst the Anfield faithful.
A transfer to surely look forward to, this summer!
