Pep wants Man City to sign “fantastic” star who was immaculate vs Liverpool

As he looks to rebuild his side following a campaign to forget, Pep Guardiola now reportedly wants Manchester City to sign a midfield star who put in an almost perfect display against Liverpool.

Man City transfer news

The Citizens have been shock strugglers this season, going from Premier League domination to a side who may well miss out on a top four place in the Premier League this season. There’s been many factors behind their downfall, with injuries playing a large part, but their need for a rebuild cannot be ignored in the face of an ageing squad.

The likes of Kevin de Bruyne are currently approaching the end of their Etihad careers, whilst Ilkay Gundogan, Bernardo Silva and perhaps even star shot-stopper Ederson don’t look far behind the Belgian midfielder to commence a major overhaul.

The Premier League already received a preview of what could be to come in the January transfer window when Vitor Reis, Abdukodir Khusanov, Juma Bah and Omar Marmoush arrived. Now, with the summer approaching, the Blues look destined to return to the market in pursuit of further reinforcements.

According to reports in Spain, Guardiola now personally wants Manchester City to sign Joao Neves this summer in what would end their midfield woes once and for all. The 20-year-old only joined Paris Saint-Germain last summer in a deal worth a reported £60m from Benfica, but has emerged onto City’s radar nonetheless as they eye an ambitious move.

Related

Man City want to sign Real Madrid star with both clubs happy on £50m+ fee

Pep Guardiola is a fan.

If those at the Etihad needed any more convincing over Neves’ quality, then his immaculate display against Liverpool in PSG’s last 16 first leg tie should have put any doubts to bed.

Whilst Harvey Elliott’s late dagger handed Liverpool a vital victory, not many will argue that PSG were unfortunate to end a dominant display on the end of defeat in a game which saw Neves put in an untouchable performance.

“Fantastic” Neves would transform Man City

Neves didn’t come flying out the blocks at PSG, as was the case for Luis Enrique’s side as a whole this season but now at his best, the midfielder has been excellent. Against Liverpool, the 20-year-old won over half of his tackles, made four recoveries and won 80% of his ground duels to silence the likes of Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai.

Dubbed “fantastic” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, it’s hard to believe that Neves is still just 20 years old and already playing at such an impressive level. Only likely to get even better, the sky is the limit for the PSG star.

The prospect of Neves forming a partnership with Rodri under Guardiola at Manchester City is undeniably a mouth-watering one, but it remains to be seen whether the Citizens will make their move.