Why Manchester City should pounce on the chance to sign Lucas Hernandez
According to a report from TZ via Sport Witness (h/t MEN), Bayern Munich are willing to offer Lucas Hernandez to Manchester City as a part of a deal that would see Leroy Sane move to Germany.
The 24-year-old Hernandez started out at the academy of Rayo Majodahonda before making the switch to the Atletico Madrid youth setup in 2007. The defender rose rapidly through the ranks at Atleti, making his senior debut in 2014.
Hernandez went on to make 110 appearances for the Spanish giants before signing for Bayern Munich last summer. However, the defender has endured an injury-riddled debut campaign in Germany.
Manchester City in need of defensive reinforcements
Manchester City lost former captain and legend Vincent Kompany last summer and did not bring in a replacement. That coupled with Aymeric Laporte’s fitness issues and John Stones’ inconsistent performances have left the Cityzens vulnerable at the back. In addition, Nicolas Otamendi has been error-prone, forcing Guardiola to use an ageing Fernandinho as a makeshift centre-back.
The Cityzens lack reliable options at left-back as well, with both Benjamin Mendy and Oleksandr Zinchenko struggling for fitness and consistency over the course of the season. Hence, bolstering their backline this summer should be a top priority for Manchester City.
Hernandez, to that end, would be a solid option for the reigning Premier League champions to consider. The 24-year-old has struggled with injuries this term, featuring just 17 times in all competitions. However, his quality is undoubted.
The Frenchman was a key member of the Atletico Madrid side that won the UEFA Europa League in 2017/18. He missed just one fixture in the Rojiblancos’ European triumph that term. Hernandez followed it up with the FIFA World Cup win with the French national team in 2018. The 24-year-old started in all of Les Bleus’ matches in Russia, contributing with two assists along the way.
The fact that he can play at centre-back and left-back with equal comfort would make him a valuable addition to Manchester City. He would add depth to these problem positions for the Sky Blues. In addition, at 24, he still has his best years ahead of him and could get better under the guidance of a top coach like Guardiola.
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Verdict
Hernandez has struggled with injury problems over the past year or so. But he has proven his quality during his time at Atletico, as well as the French national team. Hence, Manchester City should pounce at the chance of signing the 24-year-old.
By bringing him in, the Cityzens would be strengthening two positions that have been of concern this term, essentially shooting two birds with one stone.
