In a recent report, Eurosport has stated that Real Sociedad winger Mikel Oyarzabal is on Manchester City‘s radar this summer. It is understood that Man City have identified the Spanish wing wizard as a summer target as Pep Guardiola looks to freshen up his squad ahead of the new campaign (via Eurosport).
Oyarzabal’s Impressive Numbers In Spanish Football
Oyarzabal experienced a productive campaign with the Spanish outfit after putting in a run of consistent displays as a key member of their attack. The 24-year-old featured in 43 matches for his current employers last season, scoring 13 goals and grabbing ten assists in various competitions.
The Eibar-born talent has caught the eye by averaging 0.9 tackles, 0.5 interceptions, 1.9 shots, 1.5 key passes and 0.7 dribbles per game in the 2020-21 La Liga campaign. He even distributed possession relatively well in the opposition half based on his pass completion rate of 76.7% in the Spanish top tier (stats via whoscored).
Oyarzabal is under contract at the Reale Arena until the summer of 2024, so Man City will have to make a sizable offer to stand a chance of acquiring his services during this summer transfer window.
What Will The Spanish Wide Player Bring To The Etihad Stadium?
Oyarzabal is a quick and agile winger who can complete some dangerous dribbles in the opposition half. He excels at creating some inviting openings for others around him and can also chip in with a few important goals in the final third. Oyarzabal can also operate in any position across the frontline. He is primarily a left-sided winger but can even play on the right flank or as an attacking midfielder down the middle.
The 13-time Spain international has already proven his worth in Spanish football but there are some concerns over whether he can replicate his good form in the Premier League, where he might struggle to adapt to the physical nature of English football.
At 24, Oyarzabal is about to enter his prime and would add a lot of long-term value to the Mancunian club if Guardiola decides to move in for him in this off-season. The Spaniard will also add a lot of quality to Man City’s attack and could prove to be an ideal replacement for Bernardo Silva who is keen on a move to La Liga this summer.
All in all, Guardiola should consider orchestrating a move to bring Oyazarbal to the northwest of England before the start of the new season as he has all the skillset required to be a success story at the Etihad Stadium in the coming seasons.
