Florian Neuhaus of Germany linked with Manchester City and Liverpool transfer. (imago Images)
According to a report by Spanish publication AS (h/t The Express), Manchester City are interested in Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Florian Neuhaus. The 24-year-old midfielder is heavily linked to Liverpool as well who are in a strong position to sign him from the Bundesliga side.
However, the report mentions that Bayern Munich are also in the fray. Neuhaus has impressed at Monchengladbach this season and City want to strengthen their midfield going into next season. Let us find out why the Citizens should beat Premier League rivals Liverpool to Neuhaus’ signature.
A club like Manchester City are not short of quality players. The Premier League champions and this year’s UEFA Champions League finalists boast of a midfield with the likes of Ilkay Gundogan (their top-scorer this season) and PFA Player of the Year, Kevin de Bruyne. But even they could use depth, especially in midfield.
Even in the current scenario, City can use senior midfielders in their squad. Apart from Gundogan and De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva and Phil Foden have been played in midfield at times, with the former being a right-winger for most of his career. The latter also plays out wide for City and England.
Their situation worsens though, with Silva and Fernandinho being linked with exits. The report mentions that Bernardo Silva could depart in the summer while City could release Fernandinho as a free agent. This is where Florian Neuhaus would be a smart buy.
The central midfielder has plenty of Bundesliga games under his belt as he played in 45 games for the German club in all competitions this season – delivering 8 assists and scoring 8 goals. He is predominantly a central midfielder but has been used out wide and as a No.10 during his career.
Man City would be vying for four major trophies next season. The Cityzens played in an astonishing 61 games this season in all competitions. With so many games being played in a single season, fatigue and injuries have become a part of football.
Guardiola, much like every coach in the world, would want a squad he can rotate. And Neuhaus would be a very wise addition in that aspect as he can provide depth, versatility, as well as competition in City’s midfield. Not to mention, at 24, the German still has a lot of footballing years left in him.
Another upside of signing him would be the prospect of them beating their Premier League rivals, Liverpool. The Reds, led by Jurgen Klopp, have had memorable encounters with Guardiola’s City over the years in Europe as well as England.
And if they sign Neuhaus and Liverpool fail to bring in any other midfielder, it would be a bonus for City to strengthen their squad at the expense of their rivals.
