Manchester City have suddenly sprung into action late in the transfer window, with just over 24 hours left for the deadline. The Citizens have already signed Aymeric Laporte from Athletic Bilbao but reports suggest that they are closing in on yet another signing this January.
Manchester City To Land Jack Harrison:
According to Sky Sports, Manchester City are set to announce the signing of youngster Jack Harrison, who is currently making headlines in the MLS, before Wednesday. A transfer target for Stoke City as well, Harrison currently plays for MLS outfit New York City, which is a sister club of Manchester City.
So it does not come as a surprise that Guardiola will want to bring him back to England, after his impressive showing with the US outfit. It is also reported that the 21-year old will be loaned out to Middlesbrough for the rest of the season after the Championship outfit were also desperate for his signature. So does the youngster have a future at Etihad?
Harrison And His Attributes:
Having spent his youth career first with Liverpool and then with Manchester United, the 21-year old moved away from England, to Manhattan for the first time in 2013. However, he was only picked up by New York City in 2016 and managed to cement a place in the starting XI pretty quickly.
He has 14 goals in 56 League appearances to date and is an important part of the squad at the Yankee Stadium. He also made a couple of appearances for the English U21 side last year and is a star in the making.
An attacking winger, who can also play in a withdrawn role, Harrison is a pacey dribbler who is easily one of the quickest players in the MLS at the moment. His dribbling and speed make him hard to mark and his ability to beat his man to send in crosses or to cut inside and make space for himself makes him all the more dangerous.
He is lethargic with his defensive work but at his age, he will surely improve as a football and could be a huge asset for any club in England.
Chances At Manchester City:
The Champions elect squad at Etihad does not give the youngster a chance to shine this season under Pep Guardiola but the Spanish manager has a keen eye for talent and his interest in Harrison says a lot about his quality.
The former Barcelona manager has used a couple of young wingers in Raheem Sterling and Leroy Sane to good effect this season. But Bernardo Silva remains the only backup in the first team and Harrison can act as an understudy next season, getting himself ready for the top flight.
So his move on loan to Middlesbrough makes a lot of sense. He is yet to play a league game in England but at the Riverside, he will get his chance and may even help Boro get closer to the playoffs. He has all the attributes to be a hit in England but do you think he can excel under Guardiola?
Stats Courtesy: Whoscored