Manchester City have now entered the race to sign “the most skilful player in the Premier League”, and there is a feeling the Everton star would be keen on a move to the Etihad Stadium.
It is set to be a summer of change at City, with Pep Guardiola’s hugely successful 10 year reign coming to an end. Enzo Maresca has been widely reported as the 55 year old’s likely successor.
However, despite Maresca not being officially announced, chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak has revealed the club have already set out their summer transfer plans and they aren’t planning to waste any time.
‘We know exactly what we want to do’
“We are organised, we are thoughtful and sometimes when we need to be decisive and pre emptive, we will do that and that’s exactly what we did,” Al Mubarak said.
“In the summer, we know exactly what we want to do, we know exactly who we are targeting and I promise you, as always, we’ll go about our business and be as efficient and as swift as possible.”
There may also be some departures. Savinho is keen to play under Roberto De Zerbi at Tottenham Hotspur, and with the Brazilian winger in line to move to London, City have set their sights on a new forward.
Ndiaye in City’s sights
According to reporter Alan Nixon (via Give Me Sport), City have now stormed into contention to sign Everton star Iliman Ndiaye, who could be keen on a move to the Etihad, regardless of whether he is offered a regular starting spot.
Ndiaye is set to represent Senegal at the World Cup, where he will be hoping to impress potential suitors. Everton are likely to command a large fee, given that he is one of David Moyes’ most important players.
The right winger’s only spell out of the team last season came when he jetted off to represent Senegal at AFCON. He managed six goals and three assists in 32 Premier League outings.
‘The most skilful player in the Premier League’
The 26 year old, who pockets £45k a week, earned rave reviews from teammate Vitalii Mykolenko.
“Just play to his feet, so it’s easy,” Mykolenko said in April. “Then, he will create everything from a few yards. He needs just a few yards. If you’ve seen his skills, it’s incredible. I don’t like to play against players like him.
“If you play the ball to him, he can make everything, he can create, he can do anything with the ball. I think he’s the most skilful player in the Premier League at the moment.”
The alternative: Kroupi
Bournemouth star Eli Junior Kroupi is also being targeted by City. The 19 year old Frenchman scored 13 Premier League goals last season and could be a better signing given his age and potential.
The bottom line
Ndiaye is proven. Kroupi is potential.
City have to choose. Or perhaps they’ll try for both.
Savinho is heading out. A new winger is coming in. The Etihad rebuild is underway.
Ndiaye would cost a fortune. But he’s also the most skilful player in the league, according to those who play with him.
Mykolenko doesn’t like playing against him. Imagine him playing for you.
City are storming into contention. And Ndiaye might just be keen on the move.
Watch this space. The summer window is about to get very interesting.
