Among the current teams in the Premier League, Manchester City are in the need of a central defender badly. The transfer of John Stones is now looking more like a panic buy and his struggles in the Premier League have now gone on for two long seasons.
Despite spending heavily last season, City failed to clinch a single trophy but with the kind of football they displayed in the last phase of the season there are enough reasons for the City supporters to be optimistic.
If Vincent Kompany remains fit, he could be the majestic figure in the City backline next season but the Belgian defender has a very bad record of injuries so Guardiola wants to have a substantial cover by his side.
Let us take a look at 3 possible options Guardiola should look at.
Leonardo Bonucci
The Italian defender has earned his name for being the best ball-playing defender in the world currently. The Juventus defender has emerged as the most sought-after player in the transfer market as a host of clubs are chasing him.
He is the right kind of player that Guardiola has been searching so far. His playing style fits with the gaffer’s current system so he could be an instant hit at the Etihad.
The Italian international is in the prime of his form and has guided Juventus to back to back Serie-A titles. His prolific reading of the game and his vision has been his biggest strength.
He also has been the pillar of defence for the Italian national team and is expected to be one of the most impactful players once the World Cup begins next year.
Virgil Van Dijk
The Southampton defender has been one of the most prominent defenders in the Premier League. Van Dijk was the centre of attraction in the recent Liverpool-Southampton transfer saga.
Guardiola’s hunt of a ball playing defender can be met with Van Dijk’s arrival. The player has proved himself in the Premier League for the last two seasons and could be available for £60m.
Jerome Boateng
The German defender is one of the most admirable defenders currently. Guardiola has a good impression of the player having worked with him during his stint at the Allianz Arena and could be tempted to bring the player back.
Boateng had a short and unsuccessful spell with City before so he might want to have another go and prove his doubters wrong in the Premier League.
