According to recent reports, Manchester City are eyeing a swoop of FC Groningen playmaker Ritsu Doan when the transfer window reopens in January. It is understood that the Citizens are preparing a £5m bid to bring the Japanese youngster to the Premier League during this winter transfer period. However, the Dutch Eredivisie outfit are unwilling to part ways with their prized asset.
Ritsu Doan: A Player On The Rise?
Doan made a name for himself while playing for Gamba Osaka in the Japanese first division. Groningen decided to take him on a season-long loan in the summer of 2017 where he scored ten goals while creating four assists in 31 matches across all competitions. His fantastic contributions during the last campaign saw him get rewarded with a permanent move to the Dutch club earlier this summer.
The Japanese prospect has one goal and one assist to his name in 10 matches so far this term. At the tender of 20, he has become one of the brightest prospects in European football which is why a move to City makes sense as the Mancunian outfit looks to build for a bigger and better future at the Etihad Stadium.
What Will The Japanese Winger Bring To The Etihad Stadium?
Doan has excellent pace in his locker which helps him dribble with the ball effectively out of tight areas. He can also link up play well with his teammates and has a knack for scoring important goals. However, the 20-year-old is far from the finished product and needs time to develop his game so that he can take the next step in his career and play football at the highest level.
Is Doan A Star In The Making?
A potential move to City could mean less game time for Doan as Pep Guardiola currently has a plethora of attacking options going forward. However, his potential is undeniable, and it could be a significant coup for the Citizens if they can lure him to Manchester in January. He will be a great asset for the Man City academy which has already produced players such as Phil Foden in the recent past.
It is a no-brainer for City to recruit one of the best young players of Asia as Doan could also be a great marketing option for them in the future. Moreover, the Japanese prospect has a promising career ahead of him and could be a future star under Guardiola if given the platform to prove his worth in the top tier of England.
