Manchester City are not too far away from clinching a place in the Champions League next season but that will not be enough to keep Pep Guardiola happy. The Spanish manager failed to win a trophy in the entire season in the first time in his career this campaign and is making some big plans this summer, to correct the record.
This has seen him linked with some of the biggest stars in Europe and reports from the Mirror claim that Manchester City have made a £50m bid for Juventus defender Alex Sandro. The 26-year old was linked with a move to the Etihad a couple of years ago but the Italian giants were not ready to let him leave just 12 months after signing him. However, Guardiola is now convinced that he is the right man and is ready to add him to his squad.
Born and brought up in Brazil, Sandro made a name for himself in his one-year loan stint at Santos, which saw him earn a move to FC Porto as a youngster. He spent four years at the Estadio do Dragao before moving to Turin in 2015 and has ever since been a regular first team player at the Juventus Stadium.
A left back by trait, Sandro is comfortable playing as a wing-back in an advanced role and is one of the most dependable players in his position currently in Europe. He has two goals and four assists in 26 Serie A games this season, a return that is commendable for a defender. He is a mainstay under Massimiliano Allegri and has helped them closer to their sixth consecutive Serie A title but more importantly a place in the Champions League.
Known for his attacking instincts, the Brazilian international is a mesmerising dribbler with a keen eye for a pass. His key passes ratio makes some midfielders jealous while his ability to put in crosses from wide areas is a dream for a striker. He has all the attributes to keep Pep Guardiola’s gameplay true and running during the game but the biggest reason for Guardiola’s interest is his defensive abilities.
He is strong and tall and is ready to put his body on the line when needed. Playing for a well-organized squad like at Turin, Sandro has gained a lot of experience and is effective between both boxes at the highest level.
The likes of Gael Clichy and Aleksander Kolarov are not expected to be the first choice next season and Guardiola has no real option at left-back. So he is sure to spend on a player in the summer and Sandro is as good an option as any. At £50m he might be a tad expensive but at 26, he is a long-term option who could be one of the many players that lift City under Guardiola.
