After securing a top four spot on the final day of the season last week itself, Pep Guardiola has already started working on the transfers now. As per reports, Manchester City are at an advanced stage in landing AS Monaco’s midfield sensation Fabinho, indicating the gaffer’s early steps to his grand squad remodelling plans before next season.
The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager went without a silverware in his debut season for the first time in his managerial career, and cannot afford a similar scenario next season under any condition. The 46-year-old had inherited a squad largely built by Roberto Mancini and Manuel Pellegrini and found it increasingly difficult to impose his philosophy upon it.
He has, therefore, decided to bring in young players who can adapt to his playing style faster and execute it whole-heartedly. And one of the areas in the City squad that needs a major upgrade is their midfield. After Ilkay Gundogan was ruled out for the entire season with a horrific injury, Guardiola was in real crisis in filling the huge void left by the German international. And if not for the timely return of Yaya Toure, City’s season could have turned from bad to worse.
The other option of Fernandinho has been seen more often on the right defensive flank instead, whose technical superiority led Guardiola to prefer the Brazilian there over Pablo Zabaleta. However, Toure is now 34 and can only depreciate with age. And while Fernandinho will be a good option in the midfield, his disciplinary incidents this season isn’t very reliable for Guardiola.
His compatriot, Fabinho, looks a good fit now, alongside Gundogan. The 23-year-old Brazilian international has been the engine for Monaco’s title winning campaign this term alongside the enigmatic Tiemoue Bakayoko. He has scored nine goals and assisted three times so far, in 37 league appearances.
He was also impressive in the Champions League this season, scoring and assisting thrice in 13 games, which include their playoffs. His defensive prowess has caught the attention of many with City being a prime suitor. A midfielder by nature, he also excels in the right-back’s role, which makes him all the more suitable for Guardiola.
An academy product of Fluminense Football Club, he spent loan stints wth Portuguese side Rio Ave FC and La Liga giants Real Madrid, before Monaco started observing him on loan and finally bought him in 2015. At 188cm, he could be a strong presence in the centre of the park and could be an ideal partner for Gundogan.
