According to ESPN, Manchester City are interested in signing a defensive midfielder who could play as back up for the ageing Fernandinho. The report claims that Pep Guardiola is keen on signing Tanguy Ndombele from French club Lyon. At 21, the box-to-box midfielder is highly rated and the Cityzens would have to shell out a fee higher than £70m to secure his services.
The French outfit do not want to sell him for less than £70m since a lot of big European clubs are interested in the services of the player.
The versatile midfielder was already on the watchlist of Guardiola during the summer window. After the two sides met in the Champions League group stage matches, where Lyon dominated the Premier League club in the midfield and the 21-year-old Ndombele ran the show, the Manchester City boss’ interest in him is understandable.
The powerhouse midfielder had steam-rolled City’s midfield in the 2-1 win for the French side at the Etihad stadium and impressed again in their 2-2 draw at home.
The holding midfield area was one such unit that needed reinforcements as there was a lack of options besides Fernandinho. Due to injuries to Bernado Silva, Kevin De Bryune and Ilkay Gundogan in recent weeks, the need for a solid backup option in the midfield has become a real concern. And looking at the ageing limbs of Fernandinho, signing a solid defensive midfielder should be a priority.
Though the young 21-year-old is not an ideal backup for Fernandinho, his versatility would be helpful in finding the right balance during critical times. Given the pace and physicality that Ndombele is blessed with, there is no doubt that he will adapt to the Premier League quite comfortably.
Ndombele is a defensive midfielder who likes going forward and contributing with the attacks rather than just sitting and spaying balls from the back. He can play an important role at a time when key players are getting injured and given his versatility, it would make perfect sense for the Blues to go after the youngster.
