In a recent print edition, A Bola has mentioned that Manchester City are eyeing a €60m move for Sporting CP starlet Nuno Mendes this summer. It is believed that Man City boss Pep Guardiola and director of football, Txiki Begiristain both like the Portuguese left-back and could move in for him during the summer transfer period (transcripted and translated by Sport Witness).
Mendes’ Outstanding Rise At The José Alvalade Stadium
Mendes has experienced another impressive campaign with Sporting as he has been responsible for producing a run of influential displays down the left-wing. His important contributions have helped the Portuguese giants secure the Liga NOS title this season which is an incredible feat for a player of his age.
The Sintra-born youngster has netted one goal and grabbed two assists in 35 matches for Ruben Amorim’s side this term in various competitions. Mendes has caught the eye by averaging 1.7 tackles, 2.1 interceptions, 1.1 clearances, 0.6 shots, 1.1 key passes and 1.5 dribbles per 90 minutes in the Liga NOS this season. He has even distributed the ball relatively well after making 79.3% of his attempted passes in the Portuguese top-flight (stats via whoscored).
The 18-year-old has already made himself a useful starter in senior football, so Man City will do well to lure him to the Etihad Stadium when the transfer window commences later this year. Guardiola could be the ideal manager to oversee his development in the coming years and could help him grow into a world-beater someday.
Will Recruiting Mendes Be A Wise Move For Man City?
Mendes is one of the quickest full-backs in the Liga NOS and can turn on the afterburners to get past his marker down the left flank. He can get into some dangerous areas in the attacking third and can create some inviting chances for others around him.
The Portuguese whizkid has also added some goals and assists to his game but still has a lot to learn before he can be a consistent performer at the top level. He is a decent tackler of the ball and can make a few important interceptions for his side.
Plus, Mendes’ blistering pace allows him to recover well and clear his lines when needed. Hence, signing someone of Mendes’ skillset and potential will undeniably be a wise move for Man City as he is good enough to make the left-back spot at the Etihad Stadium his own for years to come.
At 18, Mendes could be a generational talent, so Guardiola should consider getting him on board before the start of the new campaign. Benjamin Mendy has failed to prove his worth at Manchester which is why Man City should move him on and replace him with the Sporting wonderkid this summer.
