Transfer story
Manchester City’s defensive frailties have been bitterly exposed this season with the problems originating right from the goalkeeper to each member of the back line. Pep Guardiola needs to spend big this summer as a complete defensive overhaul is needed.
One position that the manager wants to improve before the season begins is the left-back slot where Gael Clichy has failed to impress the boss. Fulham’s 16-year old protégé, Ryan Sessegnon has caught the eye of a host of top Premier League clubs with Guardiola being the latest manager to be curious about taking the youngster on board.
The Cottagers want to keep hold of their prized asset but might have to sell him with Premier League clubs ready to bid around £15 million for the left-back. Liverpool have been the long-term admirers along with Manchester United who see him as a replacement for the out of favour Luke Shaw.
A loan back to the Championship club might help City’s cause to sign him as Fulham might go to the highest bidder out of the three interested clubs.
Who is he?
Sessegnon joined Fulham when he was just eight and came to prominence last season when he starred for the U18 side, aged just 15. After a successful season, he was invited to train with the first team squad in pre-season and impressed everyone with his abilities.
In his first full season in the Championship, Sessegnon scored a goal in a league game in August and became the first player born in 2000 to score a goal in English leagues. He has also represented the Three Lions in various age groups until now.
The next Bale?
Though these are early days of the teenager’s career, he has been dubbed as the next Gareth Bale because of the similarities in their playing style. Sessegnon plays as a left-back currently but his knack of surging ahead with the ball makes him a fine prospect to play on the wings.
He has been deployed there and has yielded tremendous results. Under Pep, the 16-year old can achieve greatness with the astute tactician having the knack of developing young players.
Worth the money?
He’s worth all the hype that has surrounded him recently but to continue his progress, he needs to keep his head down and concentrate on his work. Guardiola seems to be the right guy for this job as with this deal, Fulham will get a good fee for one of their best players and Manchester City will get one of the most highly rated prospects in English football at the moment.
