In a recent interview with The Transfer Tavern, former England full-back Michael Ball urged Manchester City to move in for Southampton striker Danny Ings this summer. Ball said,
“Unfortunately, he broke down at Liverpool and I think he is desperate to go back to a big club and prove he has the talent to be part of a big team.
“It doesn’t look like the Tottenham move is happening because their relationship with Southampton has soured, so that could leave the door open for Manchester City to snatch the player.
“I think he’d be a perfect fit for the way Manchester City play. He’d be a great replacement for Aguero.”
Ings’ Campaign Of Mixed Emotions At Southampton
Ings endured an injury-plagued season at St. Mary’s Stadium but still managed to produce some match-winning displays as a key member of Ralph Hasenhüttl’s attack. The 28-year-old banged in 13 goals and grabbed four assists in 33 matches for the Saints in the previous campaign across all competitions.
The English frontman performed well to average 2.0 shots, 0.8 key passes and 1.0 dribbles per 90 minutes in the 2020-21 Premier League season. He was even tidy when distributing possession in the opponent’s half based on his pass success rate of 66.3% in the English top tier (stats via whoscored).
Should Man City Get Ings On Board This Summer?
Ings is a natural goal-scorer in the final third as he is usually a composed finisher in front of the opposition goal. He can also create some inviting openings for others around him and is proficient at timing his runs well in behind the opponent’s backline. However, the English frontman’s career has been plagued by injuries which makes him a risky option for Man City to consider during this summer transfer period.
At 28, Ings is currently playing at his prime, so we can expect him to add a lot of goals to Pep Guardiola’s attack if Man City decide to listen to Ball’s advice by launching a move for him this summer. However, the Mancunian giants would be better off opting for someone more fit as Ings has often missed a lot of key matches in the recent past due to injury.
Furthermore, the Southampton star lacks experience in European football, so he could struggle to give a good account of himself in the UEFA Champions League if Man City opts to move in for him ahead of the new campaign. With all things considered, Guardiola should not get the Saints striker on board but should instead concentrate on recruiting a more proven option this summer.
