According to the reports from German media outlet Sport 1, Pep Guardiola is said to be a fan of Hoffenheim’s midfielder Dennis Geiger, and he has already inquired about the player with the German outfit. Merseyside club Everton are also said to be interested in the 21-year-old midfielder.
The defensive midfielder currently has his contract at the club until 2022, and he came up from Hoffenheim’s youth setup.
The midfielder is currently a Germany u-21 international, and he played a stellar role in the tie against Bayern Munich in the previous month where he earned praises from the former Bayern boss Kovac for his performance in the middle as Hoffenheim won 2-1. Geiger doesn’t have a release clause in his contract, and it is yet not clear how much Hoffenheim might demand for him.
Does City need a defensive midfielder?
Guardiola spent the big bucks this summer to sign Rodri who has settled in well at the Etihad Stadium. The Spanish international is currently the first-choice defensive midfielder as Fernandinho has been used at the back by Guardiola. The Brazilian is already 34, and he doesn’t have a long term future at the club. Hence, City could look to bring in another backup to Rodri, and that is where the signing of Geiger can come in handy.
What can Geiger offer?
The German is a tenacious midfielder, and he is known for his intense energy in the middle. However, he is not just a midfield disruptor as he is comfortable on the ball as well. He is quick to look out for a pass, and he fits in seamlessly in Hoffenheim’s playing style.
Geiger is yet not a finished product, and he might have to improve on the physical front. Premier League is known for its physicality and Geiger will have to develop on that aspect if he wants to thrive in the English top flight.
Should Guardiola go for him?
If Geiger is available for a reasonable price, then City can consider going in for him in the future. The Premier League champions have also been linked with getting back Douglas Luiz. If Geiger can come within the £15m mark, then City should opt for the German, and he can be understudy to Rodri for a few years.
With Guardiola said to be a fan of the player, it remains to be seen how keen the Citizens will be for him in the future. The midfielder though might not opt to move to City if he wants to play regularly and that could be a problem for the former Bayern Munich manager.
