According to Daily Mail, Fabian Delph is among the players likely to leave the Etihad this summer. The Manchester City midfielder has struggled to make himself a first-team regular under Pep Guardiola, and a move elsewhere could be on the horizon.
It has been a roller-coaster ride for Delph during his time at Manchester City. He was instrumental in Pep Guardiola’s record-breaking campaign last season. But, he has since been on a steady decline, notably losing his place to Oleksandr Zinchenko this campaign.
But should the Sky Blues let go of this versatile midfielder? Here are the pros and cons of Delph’s potential departure from the Etihad this summer.
Pros: Delph’s versatility could still serve Pep next season
Despite the immense success Manchester City have had in the past two seasons, Guardiola is still operating with a relatively small squad. And although the Spaniard has promised to sign a few players this summer, keeping hold of someone like Delph could be a logical move.
The English international is one of the most versatile players in the Premier League and can provide backup for numerous different positions. His versatility will allow Guardiola to tinker with his team selection, which often becomes imperative considering the strenuous schedule of English football.
Additionally, Delph, unlike City’s most other technically astute midfielders, is known for his aggression and work-ethic. That means Guardiola will be able to utilise him either as a runner or in the middle, should he opt to add more bite in midfield.
Cons: Delph may not be quality enough for an improving Manchester City side
Guardiola is a perfectionist. And despite being the first manager to retain the Premier League title since Sir Alex Ferguson successfully, he will surely look to add more quality to his side in the summer. Delph’s departure, in that regard, should help the Catalan free up space for the new signings.
Manchester City are already plotting a move for Atletico Madrid’s Rodi this summer. The Spaniard is a robust midfielder, who can provide the aggression the club lacks in their current crop of midfielders, thus paving the way for Delph to leave Etihad.
Furthermore, Zinchenko’s rapid rise in prominence has shown that Manchester City are much more efficient on the flanks without Delph playing at left-back. And with the likely arrival of a holding midfielder in the summer, Delph’s services in midfield could be redundant.
It can, thus, be concluded that Manchester City could benefit from the sale of Delph this summer as they look to continue their dominance in England next season.
