According to reports, Sporting Lisbon’s midfield general- William Carvalho is being targeted as a possible component of Pep Guardiola’s Etihad Revolution.
The Spanish tactician is ringing in the changes since his arrival at the club in the summer and is looking to improve his fast ageing squad. Pep has recently used Yaya Toure in the last two games but his future at the club remains uncertain. With this is light, he is probably planning for the future and is lining up a January move for Carvalho whom he sees at the ideal successor to Toure.
William Carvalho came through the Sporting youth ranks and made his senior debut in 2011. The Sporting Lisbon midfielder has been brilliant for both club and country and is high on Manchester City’s list. His playing style is quite similar to that of the big Ivorian and he has a strong and powerful presence in midfield, capable of making the typical lung-bursting runs from the deep areas. Sporting, though, are understandably thought to be reluctant to sell their star man who has been a key player for them till now.
But the Portuguese international reportedly has a £42m release clause in his contract, which will surely entice City and give them control over the pursuit of Carvalho. His arrival in England will add the much-needed stability and strength in depth as far as City are concerned.
The Sky Blues are currently playing with one holding midfielder in Fernandinho. Both Yaya Toure and Fernando look surplus to requirements in the future and Pep seems to be planning without them from summer onwards. The signing of Carvalho will certainly give City options in the centre of the park and Pep can also use two holding players to protect the back four if he decides to alter his approach.
Carvalho is the ideal man to provide stability and also possesses the ability to break up play. He is strongly built and is a good passer of the ball, a quality which has attracted the City boss. At just 24, he has a lot of football left in him and joining City will be a step forward in his career.
Manchester United are also interested in the central midfielder’s services and have kept a close eye on him. Carvalho was part of Portugal’s success in the Euros and is one of the most sought after defensive midfielders in Europe at present. It remains to be see whether a deal can be completed in the January transfer window or not but it seems that a summer bidding war is on the cards for the player.
