Manchester City is reportedly keeping close tabs on Mexico starlet Orbelín Pineda. According to rumours, Pep Guardiola hugely admires the Mexican youngster, who he thinks will fit right into his attacking midfield setup.
The 20-year-old has already been in an impressed form for C.D. Guadalajara this season with many reports also linking the midfield revelation to Portuguese giants FC Porto. According to Mexican news outlet Tiempo, however, Man City are now tracking the midfielder ahead of the January transfer window.
It was in December 2015 that C.D. Guadalajara announced their signing of Pineda for an undisclosed price on a five-year contract.
Guardiola has sent his scouts to look out for Pineda and they have been quite impressed with what they have seen. Though the Mexican club C.D. Guadalajara has stated that they hold Pineda as a key part of their future, it is pretty much known they won’t be able to resist Manchester City’s bid for the Mexico international.
With only a little experience, Pineda might not be a good fit of most other managers, but Guardiola however, is known to identify one by his football technique rather than experience at the highest level. Thiago Alcantara and Douglas Costa are glaring examples of that.
At City, Pep has characteristically put up a heavy midfield ahead of the back three. Very particular about which player Pep envisages in his designed positions, he has been quite unsuccessful in the summer transfer window. City could splash the cash on their transfer targets in the upcoming transfer market in January.
Guardiola has started his Premier league campaign quite well sitting at the helm at the moment with just one loss in the last eight games. His placing of Gundogan and Fernandinho behind the dynamic David Silva and De Bruyne has bided well for the team at the moment. Raheem Sterling, who saw a big dip in the form last season has also rejuvenated this season.
If Guardiola does get Pineda, his positioning would effectively be at the attacking third, where Guardiola could bring out most from the youngster’s agility and witty runs.
Orbelín Pineda was called up to the U-20 Mexico national team by the manager, Sergio Almaguer, to take part in the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup in New Zealand. Pineda was named in Mexico’s provisional squad for Copa América Centenario but was cut from the final squad. Hence, if Manchester City does approach the youngster, there is no reason for him to refuse the offer.
