Dwight McNeil in action for Burnley.(Getty images)
According to ESPN, Manchester City are interested in signing Burnley winger Dwight McNeil in the summer to replace Bayern Munich-bound Leroy Sane.
McNeil, 20, was released by Manchester United as a 15-year-old and he joined the Clarets’ U18 squad in 2014. Since then, he has developed and integrated into Burnley’s senior set-up and has been impressive since making his debut on the final day of the 2017-18 campaign.
The youngster has impressed in the last two campaigns and is one of the best young wingers in the Premier League. He has also been a regular in England’s U20 and U21 squads. Though he is contracted to Burnley until the summer of 2023, Manchester City should do everything possible to secure his services this summer.
Pep Guardiola’s men haven’t been the same dominant force they once used to be in the previous title-winning campaigns. They have been inconsistent on several occasions and their recent 2-1 loss to Chelsea handed Liverpool the league title.
Though City’s attacking unit has been one of the best in recent years, their defence has let them down. As a unit, Guardiola has failed to get them to the top. And the difference in points with the Reds shows City’s fall in standards.
However, with the league title done and dusted, the manager should bring in reinforcements to the squad if they are to lift themselves and progress next season. And investing in youngsters would be a wise decision by the club for the future.
The Etihad outfit have a plethora of attacking talents in their ranks. They have scored the most number of goals this season, 7 more than champions Liverpool. However, they have only four players in the wings – Raheem Sterling, Leroy Sane, Bernardo Silva and Riyad Mahrez.
While Sterling, Silva and Mahrez have featured regularly, Sane has struggled with a major injury and was out of action for the majority of the 2019/20 campaign. The German international is also likely to leave in the summer and if that happens, City’s number in the wide areas would be reduced.
In that regard, McNeil would be a suitable option for the club. In 31 league games this term, he has racked up 2 goals and 6 assists. Though his numbers may not be amongst the best, he is just 20 and has a lot of room for development. He has already shown glimpses of his potential. The fact that he has been a regular starter under Sean Dyche shows his importance for the team.
The English U21 international could develop himself under the guidance of Guardiola and could be a key player in City’s attack in the future. Despite his tender age, he already has some experience in the Premier League and his inclusion would add depth to City’s attacking unit.
At 20, the former Manchester United academy star has a lot to offer in the future if he is guided properly. And with Sane’s departure, it would be wise to bring in a youngster to fill the gap. Thus, they should manage to lure McNeil to Etihad this summer.
