Although we are already two weeks into the winter transfer window, any major movement is yet to take place in top European leagues. A few reports are floating in the rumour mills and according to Sport, Manchester City are eyeing a January move for Wolves attacker Adama Traore.
The 25-year-old Spaniard progressed through the esteemed ranks of La Masia before plying his trade for Aston Villa. But he failed to impress at Villa Park and the Claret and Blues endured relegation in the summer of 2016. He was then roped in by the newly-promoted Middlesbrough who, however, could not retain their top-flight status by the end of the 2016-17 campaign. Traore had his moments though in the English second tier and earned a Premier League move for the third time in four years, this time with another newcomer, Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Impact Of Traore In The English Game
The project at Molineux is quite ambitious and the Spanish international settled in eventually under the tutelage of Nuno Espirito Santo. The former Barca prodigy was once again back in the radar of the Premier League hotshots, including Liverpool and Manchester City (as reported in August by The Mirror). The Citizens, meanwhile, have reignited their interest and a fee of around £35m should be enough to secure his services, the Spanish outlet has claimed.
Manchester City had their Premier League hopes shattered last season in December when they suffered a 3-2 defeat against Wolves. Traore was outrageous with his pace, power and precision and earned accolades for his impact and co-ordination with Raul Jimenez. He is not at his best so far this term but would certainly add a new dimension in City attack who are already well equipped and lethal enough.
How Traore Would Fit In The Manchester City Set-up
The likes of Raheem Sterling, Riyad Mahrez, Phil Foden, Bernardo Silva and Ferran Torres are there down the flanks with their flair and finesse. But the physicality Traore offers should fascinate Guardiola who was already aware of the Spaniard’s potential during his managerial regime at Barcelona.
The attacking ace featured 54 times last season in all competitions and played his part in 18 goals (scored 6 and assisted 12, stats via Transfermarket). His presence on the pitch is troublesome for the fullbacks, particularly from the counter-attacking moves when he surges forward with direct runs and takes on the defenders.
Sergio Aguero is at the twilight of his glittering career whereas the persistent injury problems to Gabriel Jesus has often forced the gaffer to deploy Raheem Sterling as a ‘number 9’. The arrival of Traore would restore the balance to a certain extent and the financial muscle power of the Citizens puts them in the driver’s seat if a deal takes place in due course of time.
