Under the tutelage of Pep Guardiola, Manchester City were undoubtedly ruthless in the Premier League. They were clinical and recovered from an uncharacteristic hiccup in winter to end the season on an extraordinary note pipping Liverpool to the title by one point.
Besides, they also lifted the FA Cup and the League Cup and it was a hugely successful campaign for them. In order to continue their dominance in England and to also better their credentials in the Champions League, the Citizens need to make some additions in the summer.
One of the key areas of concern for Guardiola would be the central defensive midfield sector. His side needs a suitable replacement for the ageing Fernandinho, who has won three league titles in his six-year spell in Manchester so far.
According to a report by Le Progres, Manchester City are attempting to lure Lyon’s blossoming midfielder Tanguy Ndombele to the Etihad Stadium, with their arch-rivals Manchester United also believed to be interested.
Ndombele, who was linked with a move to Ligue 1 giants Paris Siant-Germain in the recent past, had an impressive season with Lyon in the last term and as seen now, his stock has risen considerably.
Tanguy Ndombele: Player Profile
Ndombele emerged through the youth ranks of Guingamp and started his senior career with Amiens. He moved to Lyon on loan in the summer of 2017 and eventually, he was signed permanently by Les Gones.
Capable of plying his trade as a central as well as central defensive midfielder, Ndombele has showcased immense maturity and perseverance in the middle, despite being a 22-year-old.
He mustered 34 appearances in the French top flight last season, scoring 1 goal and garnering 7 assists to his name. Besides, he made 1.9 tackles and 0.9 interceptions per game on an average.
He dazzled in the Champions League too, also finding the back of the net on a couple of occasions. Besides, he has already cracked the French national team and is touted to have a big future ahead of him.
Why Manchester City need to sign him?
With Fernandinho (34) and Ilkay Gundogan not having long-term futures at Manchester City in the holding midfield role, Ndombele could be a shrewd signing owing to his ability on the ball and intelligence to read the game.
The Frenchman has the physicality to withstand the animosity which the Premier League has on offer and his powerful drive and ceaseless energy could bring some freshness into Manchester City’s midfield sector.
He is also a skilful operator and can put pressure on the opposition defenders with his occasional powerful runs into the heart of the defence. Under a perfectionist in Pep Guardiola, he will be able to harness his raw talent and be moulded into a world-class component in midfield.
Statistics Credits: WhoScored