Manchester City are getting back on track in the Premier League title race after losing their way towards the end of the last year. They are back on course with their rivals in the title race having won 2-1 against Liverpool. The Citizens also advanced to the next round of the FA Cup after defeating Rotherham in their own backyard in their last outing.
The rough patch that Pep Guardiola’s team had hit recently saw them lose three matches in the Premier League in quick succession. This could have worked as an eye-opener for the reigning Premier League champions as they might look to add more steel to their squad and especially their defence, which has not performed as expected in the recent times.
According to Portuguese media outlet O Jogo, as reported by Sport Witness, the Citizens are keeping their eyes on young Portuguese defender Tiago Djalo and are reportedly set to face competition from West Ham United to sign him.
The 18-year-old is currently plying his trade for Sporting Lisbon in the Ledman Liga Pro and has been held in high regards by a number of experts from all around Europe given his solid defensive skills and ability to marshall the backline.
Apart from the injury concern of captain Vincent Kompany, which has kept him away from regular action; the likes of John Stones, Aymeric Laporte and Nicolas Otamendi have not been able to replicate their form from last season. The situation has not helped the cause of the reigning Premier League champions and they have failed to put up a solid defensive show against teams like Chelsea, Crystal Palace and Leicester City.
This has brought the vulnerability present in the Manchester City defence in broad daylight, and there is need of new players to cover it up. Djalo can be an excellent addition in this respect and help the Citizens get that solidarity back in their defence with his presence.
The youngster has not played any matches for the senior side at Sporting Lisbon, which might not go in favour of his move to the Etihad Stadium. However, he has earned himself a number of admirers with his stellar performances in the Ledman Liga Pro and UEFA Youth League and could be a risk worth taking for Pep Guardiola. Also, the fact that he is in a stand-off with Sporting over his wage demands could be the perfect situation for the Citizens to land the player.
