There have been and there will be many more casualties of Pep Guardiola’s arrival at Manchester City and the massive overhaul he is expected to undertake in the next summer transfer window. There have been a number of players who were deemed surplus to requirements which include the likes of Joe Hart, Mangala, Nasri and the list is likely to increase in summer.
Manchester City have had issues with their fullbacks in recent years, especially with respect to their age. While a player is as good as he performs, there was and is a necessity to plan for the future. And one name who has been strongly linked with an exit is that of Bacary Sagna who is out of contract in the summer.
Let us take a look at 3 possible destinations for the French international in the Premier League.
WEST HAM UNITED
The chatter linking the player to the London Stadium has grown in recent days and there is a feeling that the Hammers will indeed make a move to sign the player on a free in the summer. There is no doubt about his quality and having plied his trade for Arsenal and Manchester City and regularly impressed for them, his caliber is unquestionable. He might be labeled as a veteran now but he has impressed whenever he has got a chance.
Slaven Bilic needs a right-back desperately and with Byram, not yet ready for a regular role and Arbeloa failing to settle and cope up, Sagna, on a free, is not a bad option at all.
EVERTON
Ronald Koeman’s impressive Everton team has also been linked with a move for the out of favour Frenchman. The Toffees have looked good under the Dutchman and while Seamus Coleman is and will be the first choice right-back for them, Everton clearly needs depth if they are to fight for a spot in the Top 4 more regularly. Sagna can slot into the team and his versatile nature will also increase the options at the gaffer’s disposal.
STOKE CITY
Mark Hughes’ attempt to transform the Potters into a slick passing unit has come to a cropper but he has managed to bail the team out of trouble and will probably look for a more conventional approach this season and next. He has Glen Johnson at right-back but there are no guarantees over his fitness and the former Liverpool man’s propensity to miss chunks of the season has seen them find it difficult to cope. Sagna will bring his well-known attributes and will also be an option at centre-back where Stoke haven’t been their best this season.
