Ben White (Getty Images)
According to The Athletic, Manchester City are interested in signing Brighton defender Ben White, who currently plies his trade with Leeds United on loan in the Championship.
White, 22, came through the ranks of Brighton & Hove Albion’s youth system and played for Newport County and Peterborough United earlier in his developing stage. After impressing with the two teams, he was sent to Elland Road on loan last summer.
Since then, he has featured regularly and established himself as one of the best defenders in the Championship. He has received rave reviews for his performances and has attracted the attention of several top clubs including Manchester City, as per the report.
Pep Guardiola’s men have failed to dominate the league this term as they did in the previous title-winning campaigns. They have fallen 25 points behind league leaders Liverpool in the 2nd position.
Though City’s attacking unit has done an excellent job upfront, the same cannot be said of their defence. The backline has stumbled on several occasions and their inconsistency has been highlighted throughout the season.
Vincent Kompany’s departure and the loss of Aymeric Laporte to injury created a void at the back. Guardiola failed to bring in defensive reinforcements last summer and has already paid the price as his side has already conceded 31 goals so far. To put this into perspective, they shipped in just 23 in the whole of the last campaign.
John Stones and Nicolas Otamendi have failed to impress at centre-back and have been inconsistent. As a result, Fernandinho was entrusted with defensive duties. Though the Brazilian did his best, that hasn’t been enough for the team. Thus, to improve the situation next term, City should bring in Ben White to the squad.
White has been in exceptional form for Leeds, forming a strong partnership with Liam Copper in the heart of the defence. He was instrumental in the side’s rise to the top as the team had conceded just 31 goals so far, which is the best defensive record in the second division.
Given his clinical performances, the Englishman looks set to take on the Premier League and he could form a reliable partnership with Laporte next season. White has also contributed with 2 goals for Marcelo Bielsa’s side so far
At 22, the Brighton loanee is at the right time to make a name for himself at a higher level. And City are in dire need of a centre-back. White could provide them with the much-needed depth in the squad and would represent a long-term option for the club, if he moves to Etihad in the summer.
