In a recent print edition, Correio da Manhã revealed that Manchester City are ‘most interested’ in recruiting Sporting CP left-back Nuno Mendes this summer. However, it has been reported that the Mancunian giants are unwilling to meet the Portuguese club’s €50m asking price for the talented defender during this summer transfer period (transcripted and translated by Sport Witness).
Mendes’ Impressive Rise At The José Alvalade Stadium
The 19-year-old impressed a lot with his performances for Sporting last season when he put in a handful of solid displays for them down the left flank. Mendes made 35 appearances for his current employers in the previous campaign, netting one goal and grabbing two assists on all fronts.
The Sintra-born full-back caught the eye by averaging 1.7 tackles, 2.1 interceptions, 1.1 clearances, 0.6 shots, 1.1 key passes, 1.4 crosses and 1.5 dribbles per 90 minutes in the 2020-21 Liga NOS season. He even distributed possession relatively well from the left flank, as evidenced by his pass completion rate of 79.3% in league football (stats via whoscored).
The way Mendes has been playing over the past 18 months, it is no wonder that Man City are interested in acquiring his services in this off-season. At 19, the Portuguese starlet is only going to get better as he matures with each season, so he will be an excellent long-term signing for the Premier League champions this summer.
Will Mendes Be A Good Option For Man City This Summer?
Mendes is a quick and agile left-back who can pull off some energetic runs with the ball down the left wing. He has also got the ability to get to the byline and deliver some inviting crosses into the opponent’s penalty box. However, the Portuguese whizkid needs to improve his productivity if he wants to be a success story at the highest level.
Hence, Man City should think about orchestrating a move to bring Mendes to the Etihad Stadium before the start of the new campaign. He would add more pace and dynamism to Pep Guardiola’s full-back department. Mendes is already good enough to serve as an upgrade over Benjamin Mendy and Oleksandr Zinchenko at the Manchester club, which means that we can expect him to be a regular starter under Guardiola’s stewardship next season.
With all things considered, Mendes will be an excellent option for Man City to pursue in this off-season as he will enhance the quality of Guardiola’s first team for years to come. The Spanish head coach could also be the ideal man to oversee Mendes’ development and get the best out of him over the next few seasons.
