Manchester City have been linked with big-money moves for Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane and Aston Villa playmaker Jack Grealish this summer.
City are hoping to strengthen key areas of their squad in an attempt to build on their title-winning campaign last season.
Both Grealish and Kane are coming off superlative seasons and are expected to cost upwards of £100m, meaning City might have to be content with just one of their signatures.
Harry Kane or Jack Grealish – Who should City move for?
Considering the departure of record goalscorer Sergio Aguero in the summer, City could be tempted to prioritize a move for Kane.
The England captain has developed into one of the most prolific goalscorers in the world. Since making his senior debut in 2011, Kane has scored 221 goals for Spurs in 336 appearances in all competitions. He is already the seventh-highest scorer in Premier League history and is well on course to break the all-time record held by Alan Shearer.
But the 27-year-old has grown frustrated at Spurs’ inability to win trophies and is pushing for a move away, with City emerging as the favourites to land his signature. However, Kane might not be a perfect fit at the Manchester outfit.
He will undoubtedly offer an aerial threat the Premier League champions have lacked since the departure of Edin Dzeko, but his tendency to drift wide or drop into midfield could hamper their build-up play, with City already possessing a number of stars who can play the same role in a better manner.
City proved last season that they could cope without an out-and-out striker, with the likes of Phil Foden, Ferran Torres and Ilkay Gundogan impressing in a false nine role. Moreover, Kane will turn 28 this month, and given his injury record, he might have just a couple of years left at the highest level.
England v Poland 2022 FIFA World Cup, WM, Weltmeisterschaft, Fussball Qualifiers Harry Kane of England scores his sides 1st goal from the penalty spot during the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers match at Wembley Stadium, London PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxUKxCHN Copyright: xPaulxChestertonx FIL-15363-0011
On the other hand, Jack Grealish is 25 and offers a more long-term option. With Bernardo Silva pushing for an exit after falling down the pecking order at City, and Raheem Sterling’s long-term future at the club in major doubt as of now, a couple of midfield spots could well open up in the coming days.
The England international has evolved into one of the finest attacking midfielders in the world and has been the catalyst behind Villa’s recent success. He was instrumental in their 11th-place finish last season, scoring six goals and providing 12 assists, despite missing a chunk of the season.
Jack Grealish possesses fantastic technical ability; he is an excellent dribbler and can unlock defences with his supreme passing skills. He is also extremely versatile and can play on the left flank, as a No. 10 or even in a false nine role. He also has the ability to create space for his teammates by attracting opponents to the ball.
An attacking quartet of Kevin de Bruyne, Foden, Riyad Mahrez and Grealish would undoubtedly send shivers down the spine of most oppositions and ensure City are the favorites to defend their domestic crown as well as make another Champions League bid.