Manchester City ‘On Top Of The List’ To Sign Sporting Midfielder: The Potential Successor To Fernandinho?

Recent reports from Portuguese newspaper Record (via Sports Witness) claim that Manchester City are ‘on the top of the list’ to sign Sporting midfielder Matheus Nunes in the upcoming transfer window as Pep Guardiola looks set to add to his options at the centre of the park.

The Citizens are attentive to Nunes, who is supposed to be ‘ready for the market’ at the end of the season. With Newcastle United also interested in the player, a move seems to be on the cards.

The 23-year-old is protected by a release clause of €60m, and it is believed that his agent Jorge Mendes would play a key role in helping him choose an ambitious project.

Having come through the youth ranks at Ericeirense, Matheus Nunes joined Sporting Club de Portugal from fellow Primeira Liga club Estoril Praia in the winter of 2019 for a fee in the region of £855 thousand. Over the course of the last three years, the Portuguese international has made ninety appearances for the Lions, netting seven goals and bagging eight assists across all competitions.

This term, he has managed to put up some awe-inspiring numbers on the board – averaging 1.3 tackles, 0.9 interceptions, 0.6 shots, 2.5 dribbles, 0.7 key passes, and 2.5 long balls per 90 minutes in the Portuguese top-flight. Furthermore, with an average WhoScored rating of 7.11, the 23-year-old has been one of the best players on his side this season.

Capable of playing as a defensive midfielder or as a central midfielder, versatility is one of his main strengths.

The Potential Successor To Fernandinho?

Fernandinho’s contract is set to expire this year which means that Guardiola will be left with Rodri as the only option in the defensive midfield department. Besides, the Brazilian, who has played more than 370 games for Manchester City across all competitions, has confirmed that he will not renew his contract with the current Premier League champions beyond this season.

Under such circumstances, Matheus Nunes might turn out to be the perfect signing for Pep Guardiola. Aged 23, the Rio de Janeiro-born midfielder is an up-and-coming talent, so the Spaniard should definitely try and secure his signature in the summer.

(Stats from WhoScored)