Man City boss Pep Guardiola gives a thumbs up to one of his players. (Getty Images)
The Sun claims that Manchester City want to make a move for Real Betis left-back Junior Firpo in the January transfer window. The 22-year-old has been scouted several times by City and Pep Guardiola is eyeing a £54million raid to bring the talented youngster to the Etihad (h/t The Sun).
The Dominican international was a part of Real Betis B team in his early days, where he scored 8 goals in 74 appearances. After his impressive performances for the B team, he was promoted to the senior team last year.
Firpo burst onto the scene and made his debut in the La Liga earlier this year. He has continued his good run and has already found the back of the net twice in his first 15 appearances
As a result of the promise he showed last season, he was offered a five-year contract this summer, which should keep him at the club till 2023. However, Manchester City should pay his release clause worth £54million and sign one of the most versatile young talents in the La Liga.
Primarily a left-back by trade, the youngster can play as a left-winger and a centre-back. He has the ability to burst forward with good pace from his left-back position and often makes a major impact in the opposition’s half.
A modern and quick full-back, Firpo has all the qualities to cause opposition full-backs a lot of issues. Confident on the ball with a keen and accurate eye for a cross, Firpo’s distribution and ball retention skills have improved significantly since he made his debut last season.
Manchester City have enjoyed the fruits of having a flying left-back in their team. Benjamin Mendy has not only been deployed as a left-back but also as a left midfielder at times and he has caused considerable damage going up front. As versatile and dynamic as the Frenchman is, he doesn’t limit himself to the flanks and often drifts inwards where his passing looks as good as any other midfielder in the team.
To be honest, Junior Firpo has already shown strong signs of excellence. Although the Dominican is also capable of playing as a central defender, Guardiola has more than enough options at the heart of the defence with Aymeric Laporte, Nicolas Otamendi, Vincent Kompany and John Stones in his ranks.
However, Firpo should not be considered for a centre-back’s role, given his attacking prowess. Even though he boasts of appreciable physical and aerial abilities, playing him as a centre-back would not bring the best out of him.
Mendy has been a standout performer for City in the ongoing season and Guardiola must not bench him for a new signing. However, Firpo could act as the ideal cover and competition for the Frenchman. Guardiola has a reputation for fearlessly fielding youngsters at crucial moments but at the same time, he also ensures the new signings get enough time to adjust to the surroundings.
That said, a move to Manchester City should be ideal for both parties and the youngster should reach great heights under Pep Guardiola’s stewardship.