In a recent print edition, Record offered an update on Manchester City‘s pursuit of Sporting CP left-back Nuno Mendes this summer. It is believed that the Portuguese club are unwilling to sell their prized asset for anything less than €50m in this summer transfer window which means that Man City might have to wait until January before they can land the Portuguese defender (transcripted and translated by Sport Witness).
Mendes’ Excellent Rise In Portuguese Football
The 19-year-old had another impressive campaign at the José Alvalade Stadium as he was responsible for performing at a high level as Sporting’s primary left-back. Mendes netted one goal and secured two assists in 35 appearances for the Portuguese outfit last season in all competitions.
The Portuguese youngster was a valuable contributor at both ends of the field and did well to average 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 campaign. He even distributed the ball relatively well based on his pass completion rate of 79.3% in the Portuguese top tier (stats via whoscored).
Mendes has shown plenty of promising signs with his performances over the past couple of seasons, so he will be a shrewd acquisition for Man City if they can get a deal done for him this summer or during the January transfer window next year.
Man City Might Have To Wait Until January To Sign Mendes: What Should Be Pep Guardiola’s Play Here?
Mendes is blessed with a lot of pace which he can make full use of to beat his marker down the left flank. He can get to the byline with ease and can deliver some dangerous crosses into the opponent’s penalty box. The Portuguese whizkid is an exciting dribbler with the ball at his feet and can also work hard for his side on the defensive end of the pitch.
The talented teenager can time his tackles well to secure the ball back for his side and doesn’t take too many risks with his clearances as well. He can be a reliable defender inside his half but needs to figure out a way to improve his productivity in the final third.
At 19, Mendes has got a very bright future in European football, so Man City boss Pep Guardiola should prioritize on engineering a move to bring him to the Etihad Stadium soon. He is already good enough to rival Benjamin Mendy and Oleksandr Zinchenko for a regular spot in Man City’s starting XI next season.
Furthermore, Mendes has the potential to be a huge success story in English football. Therefore, Guardiola should consider playing the waiting game and then try everything in his power to land the Portuguese full-back in January.
