Manchester City are still looking to strengthen their defence despite signing Nathan Ake earlier in the transfer window, and have reportedly been linked with Atletico Madrid centre-back, Jose Gimenez.
Spanish news outfit Sport claims that Guardiola has now turned his attention towards Gimenez as he believes that the asking price for his first choice transfer target Kalidou Koulibaly is a bit too steep for a 29-year-old.
Gimenez could, however, cost close to €120m this summer while Guardiola is also looking at Diego Carlos from Sevilla as an option. But here is why Gimenez might just be the right man for the Citizens.
Jose Gimenez and his rise
The Uruguayan international moved to Atletico Madrid in 2013, and spent a couple of years acting as a backup to one of the most solid centre-back partnerships in La Liga at the time.
However, since 2015, he has been a regular in the first team and was crucial in the Spanish side reaching the Champions League final, and winning the Europa League and the Super Cup a couple of years later.
Gimenez remains a crucial part of Diego Simeone’s side in Spain despite making just 21 appearances last season in the league, and also for his national team, with whom he already has 58 caps to his name.
Gimenez – The Defender They Sorely Need
Guardiola sees Koulibaly as an option for his side but at 29, the Napoli star is not a long term solution and may not be the best of partners for Aymeric Laporte at Etihad.
The likes of John Stones and Nicolas Otamendi fell down the pecking order to Eric Garcia, who also earned a national call up with Spain earlier this month. But Garcia is still young and may not be the right man for a title-chasing squad, making Gimenez the best option for the Sky Blues.
Nathan Ake’s addition could mean the end for either Stones or Otamendi, making the former Bournemouth man a decent option from the bench. But it is hard to see Ake as the regular starter for City at centre-back next season.
Gimenez’s asking price may be a tad high but his attributes will complement Laporte well. While the French defender can help push the team forward, Gimenez can stay deep and marshal the backline, making City’s defence more balanced.
An intimidating presence at the back, Gimenez rarely loses a duel in the air and is a defender who relies on his dogged approach. He is quick to cut off passes but is also happy to sit back and soak up pressure to frustrate even the best of attacks in Europe.
The 25-year-old is also decent with the ball at his feet and can find the right pass to set up attacks, even under pressure. He rarely commits errors at the back and is a player who will probably walk into the first team at Etihad.
At his age, he is also a long term solution to the issues at Etihad but do you think Guardiola should sign a more ball-playing defender to add to his side this summer or finally add someone who can actually defend?
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