In a recent tweet, renowned journalist Graeme Bailey has stated that Manchester City have been offered a chance to sign FC Porto left-back Alex Telles. It is believed that Pep Guardiola is searching for a new left-back and could be tempted to orchestrate a move for the Brazilian defender.
Hearing Alex Telles has been offered to Manchester City, as deal with Manchester United continues to stall – City want a new left-back and could be tempted by the Porto man…
— Graeme Bailey (@GraemeBailey) October 3, 2020
Telles’ Incredible Record At Porto In Recent Years
The ex-Galatasaray defensive ace has made a productive start to this season after scoring two goals and providing two assists in three matches for the Portuguese giants across all fronts. He also produced excellent numbers at the Estádio do Dragão last season when he banged in 13 goals and grabbed 12 assists in 49 appearances under Sérgio Conceição’s stewardship in all competitions.
Telles managed to play an influential role at both ends of the pitch as he averaged 1.1 tackles, 1.8 interceptions, 1.2 clearances, 1.3 shots, 1.8 key passes and 0.6 dribbles per 90 minutes in the 2019-20 Liga NOS campaign. He ended up making 80.5% of his attempted passes in league football which goes to show just how well he can distribute the ball from the left-wing (stats via whoscored).
The 27-year-old’s contract with Porto is set to run out at the end of this campaign which is why his current employers are considering whether to sell him for a bargain fee right now or else risk losing him for free next summer.
What Are The Brazilian Sensation’s Best Attributes?
Telles is a capable defender inside his half and has got the work-ethic to fight for every loose ball at the back. He is a very quick and agile full-back who hardly gets beaten when left isolated in a one on one footrace with the opposition out on the wide areas. The Brazilian sensation has proven his worth as a prolific goal-scorer and assist-maker from the left flank. However, the jury is still out on whether he can replicate those numbers in the Premier League where he could be tested both physically and emotionally every week.
Should Man City Snap Telles Up This Summer?
The 1-1 draw against Leeds United and the humiliating 5-2 loss at the hands of Leicester City has highlighted Pep Guardiola’s need for a new left-back as Benjamin Mendy can sometimes be a defensive liability for his team on the field. Hence, it makes sense for the Mancunian outfit to make a move for Telles as he has got what it takes to make a significant impact at the Etihad Stadium. The South American defender can even help Man City reclaim their Premier League throne and compete for the UEFA Champions League in the coming seasons.
Telles will be a major upgrade over Mendy and Oleksandr Zinchenko, who has missed a lot of matches of late due to injury. The Brazilian left-back will bolster the quality of Guardiola’s first-team considerably and could cut down some of the concerns generated by their leaky defence. Hence, Man City should consider snapping Telles up before tomorrow’s transfer deadline as he will undeniably make them stronger in the years to come.
