According to a recent report by Le 10 Sport, Manchester City are hoping to secure the services of Strasbourg full-back Kenny Lala during this summer transfer window. The same source has also revealed that the Ligue 1 defender could be available for a small fee of €10m (£8.5m), but the French outfit could demand a sum around €15m (£12.8m) for their prized asset.
The Incredible Rise Of Kenny Lala
The Paris-born talent has enjoyed a fantastic campaign with Strasbourg after putting in a series of dazzling displays as a right-back during this campaign. Lala grew up playing football for Paris FC before going on to feature for clubs such as Valenciennes and Lens.
Since he decided to make a switch to Strasbourg in the summer of 2017, the French defensive ace has been a real revelation under Thierry Laurey’s stewardship at Stade de la Meinau.
Lala has featured in 35 matches for the Ligue 1 team this term, scoring four goals while creating ten assists across all competitions. More importantly, the French prospect has made an average of 2.5 tackles, 0.9 interceptions and 1.5 clearances per game in the French top-flight thus far (Stats taken from Whoscored). At 27, he is currently playing at his peak and so the Citizens would be getting a quality full-back if they can lure him to the Etihad Stadium ahead of the new campaign.
What Will The French Defender Add To Guardiola’s Team?
Lala is versatile enough to feature as a left-back or play in a more advanced role down the right flank. He is only getting better with each match and has managed to add goals and assists to his game this season.
The French left-back boasts blistering pace and is an effective dribbler with the ball down the right wing. He can also pass the ball quite accurately and is physically strong as well. Furthermore, Lala does not shy away from his defensive duties and has the makings of a world-class full-back.
Will Lala Be The Right Fit For The Citizens?
The potential acquisition of Lala will undoubtedly bolster Pep Guardiola’s defensive options at the Etihad Stadium. He will add a lot of quality to the Citizens backline and can compete with or maybe even replace Kyle Walker in Guardiola’s starting XI. All in all, he will be a brilliant fit for Man City’s style of play and so Guardiola should do everything he can to land Lala in this off-season.
