Transfer story –
Manchester City have come out all guns blazing this summer transfer window, arguably being the busiest. They have signed Bernardo Silva, Benjamin Mendy, Danilo, Ederson and Kyle Walker with a heavy price tag attached to them in addition to a squad which was renovated and given a new look with the additions of young blokes like Leroy Sane and Gabriel Jesus last season.
This mega project is now looking to add Aaron Martin from Espanyol, a left back who is just 20 years of age. He has been under Pep’s eye for quite some time but has a release clause of 27.5 million pounds under his present contract.
City are looking to strengthen a defence which is already the most expensive in football history. He could be a good back-up for the expensive Benjamin Mendy, as City let go of their left full-backs, Kolarov and Gael Clichy.
More on the Player –
Martin has maturity and outbursting talent, way above his age. At the age of 15, when he was still a junior, he made his senior debut with the reserves for Espanyol. On 2nd October 2016, he made his La-Liga debut against Villareal CF, which was very much on the cards as he was gliding up his youth teams with stellar performances.
He has made 30 starts since joining the first team but looks like he might depart without a goal for them. On 28 December 2016, Martín made his debut for the Catalonia National Football team and now, is all set to be the next ‘big thing’ in the football world with one of the best in the business, Pep Guardiola, chasing him.
What he’ll offer to the club –
City are in desperate need of depth in the left-back slot. At such a young age, he showed shades of versatility as he also played left midfield for the Spanish club. He has a good amount of international experience already too, having played for the U-19 Spanish side.
Martin believes in safety first and discipline, as he makes a lot of clearances and does not dive into tackles. Like any other defender, he blocks the ball well, stays on his toes always and intercepts the ball. He already has an exceptional ability of reading passes.
Worth the money? –
Pep Guardiola loves signing home grown players and the previous transfers have shown he wants a young squad with a future to convert Man City into European giants.
Aaron Martin looks a good bid at £18.4m especially if one is eyeing long term goals. Pep is known to drill players and will surely bring a change in the player. He will be needed for League cup and FA cup matches against relatively easier opponents.
