Manchester City are one of the many clubs in England that are set to spend big this summer and Pep Guardiola seems to have already identified his transfer targets for the summer.
The manager has been looking to improve on his defence recently and has been linked with some of the biggest stars in Europe. But one name that is now extensively doing the rounds around the Etihad is Schalke’s left-back Sead Kolasinac.
The 23-year old is out of a contract at the end of the season and is also wanted by a host of Premier League clubs but it is understood that Manchester City are leading the race for his signature at the moment. But what will this Bosnia and Herzegovina star add to the squad at the Etihad?
Born and brought up in Germany, Kolasinac represented his birth country at different age levels but started his senior career at Bosnia. He has 17 appearances already for his country and is one of the most reliable players in his position in Europe at the moment.
He has been with Schalke from the time he was a teenager and has made close to 100 senior appearances in the Bundesliga already. He is well experienced for his age and is ready for the next step.
A left-back by trait, Kolasinac has also played as a left wing-back and also as a CDM in a couple of games for Schalke. He is not an attacking full-back who loves to spend time in the final third but is a player who can create chances consistently.
He is an excellent passer and though his crossing is weak, his seven assists in all competitions this season show that he has what it takes to trouble the opponents.
But his biggest strength will remain his concentration and ability to read the game at the back. As solid a left back as they come, Kolasinac is hardly prone to errors and is a player who is generally solid on the wing.
He is strong and quick and never allows a runner behind him, while his energy and industry allow him to chase back when he is up with a tricky customer. But at just 23, he will become better in years to come, and for free, he is a super option for Manchester City.
At the Etihad, Pep Guardiola has Aleksandar Kolarov as his first choice left-back while Gael Clichy has also been used in this position. The former may stay at the club but can hardly be the first choice in all four competitions next season while Clichy may be replaced this summer.
Kolarov may also be extensively used as a part of the back-3 when needed, making Kolasinac that first choice left-back in the Premier League next season.
With options diminishing by the day, Guardiola has to act fast to add quality to his back line and he would be kicking himself if he has to look elsewhere because he missed out on Kolasinac. Do you think Sead Kolasinac is the right man for Manchester City?
