Five signings Pep Guardiola could make at Manchester City
Matt Haynes | December 16, 2015
With news emerging that Pep Guardiola could become Manchester City manager next season, Coral look at five signings the former Barcelona boss could make if he moved to the Etihad.
With Man City priced at 5/4 with Coral to win the Premier League this term, Guardiola would no doubt be tasked with taking them to Champions League glory, a competition which offers a gruelling schedule. As such, he would need to recruit wisely. We look at which players could make the grade.
Thiago Alcantara
A firm Guardiola favourite, the 24-year-old was brought to Bayern Munich by the 44-year-old immediately after he became manager of the Bundesliga side and he could well take him to the Premier League.
The player would slot seamlessly into City’s side and has a great example to follow in compatriot David Silva who is a key component of the Etihad outfit.
Sergi Samper
One of the most promising youngsters to have emerged from La Masia in recent years, the holding midfielder is understood to be being groomed to take over from Sergio Busquets in the Spanish national team.
With Guardiola showing he isn’t afraid to give youngsters a chance, this could be a move that makes sense and would speed up his chances of being picked by Vicente del Bosque.
Ricardo Rodriguez
Very much a Manchester City and Guardiola player. The Spaniard will know all about the attacking Swiss left back, due to his tenure in the Bundesliga and with Manchester United also understood to be interested, this would be quite a coup.
With Aleksandar Kolarov and Gael Clichy both 30, the 23-year-old would add fresh legs, while one of the other two would be likely to leave if this move happened.
Lionel Messi
Has been linked to the Premier League recently and joining forces with the man who really got the best out of him, may have much appeal. With Argentina teammate Sergio Aguero already there, the duo could form a formidable attacking partnership and help to fire City to the title once more.
While it would take a vast amount to pry him away from Barcelona, it is understood that the high-ups have already set aside a considerable sum to secure his services.
John Stones
With a number of clubs chasing his signature, most notably Chelsea, the 21-year-old could well appeal to Guardiola, who likes native talent and defenders who are comfortable with the ball at their feet. While he may cost north of £40m he could forge a dream partnership with captain Vincent Kompany at the back.
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