As has always been the case with English players in the English Premier League, the media gets to play a huge role in overrating them. It is one of the most important reasons why England have been so pathetic in World Cups throughout the history.
And Manchester City had made things all the more difficult for themselves when they agreed to pay a staggering £47.5 million for Everton’s John Stones last summer, who was a highly unproven prospect until then. Critics said City could now expect such signings with Pep Guardiola at the helm, and it seems to have become a mindset for the selling clubs to demand an astronomical fee from the Manchester outfit.
The latest such example is of Tottenham Hotspur’s Kyle Walker, who is reportedly labelled at a whopping £60 million by the North London side. The 27-year-old had signed a deal only last September, which would automatically mean that he won’t be a cheap option. Many have voiced their opinion about the huge price tag on the player, who despite being one of the consistent full-backs in the past seasons can never cost this much.
City might be looking elsewhere after this and we bring three options Guardiola could consider signing-
Djibril Sidibe- The 24-year-old French international has had a gem of a season with new Ligue 1 Champions AS Monaco, and like most of his teammates, is already a hot prospect in the upcoming transfer window. At 182cm with phenomenal pace, he could be a dangerous player to have on the side and already many Premier League sides are his suitors. With Bernardo Silva already making the switch to Etihad, Sidibe could be motivated to follow suit.
Dani Alves- Despite Pep Guardiola being desperate to get rid of all his ageing feet who has crossed the threshold of 30, the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager will surely have a special place for this Brazilian. And more than love, it is mostly because of the 34-year-old’s phenomenal tenacity and pace on the flanks. Under Guardiola at Barcelona, Alves has played 208 games, scoring 15 goals and assisting 67 times. They had won everything there.
Rafinha- Yet another player, with whom Guardiola is well-acquainted with during his time at Bayern Munich is Rafinha. The 31-year-old Brazilian international has been one of the most consistent defensive generals for Bayern Munich. Although he doesn’t bring in the thrill that Sidibe and Alves do from the right flank, his disciplined display could win games easily. With Joshua Kimmich taking on the position after Phillip Lahm’s retirement, he could look for a place elsewhere.
