Pep Guardiola has been on fire this transfer market as he has already spent over £100m in trying to improve his squad for next season. Manchester City have already found a first-choice right back in Kyle Walker but reports today claim that Guardiola wants yet another right-back to add as a backup for the English international.
Trusted news outfit Guardian have today revealed that Manchester City are now close to signing the Brazilian international for a fee of £26.5m, which will mean that he will have spent more than £75m on just two right backs this summer.
Capable of playing as left-back as well, the 26-year old joined Real Madrid from Portuguese outfit FC Porto a couple of years ago, but he has failed to establish himself in the first team under Zinedine Zidane, who is now ready to sell him. Real spent €31.5m on his services and have sold him for €30m, which is not a bad return after two long years.
Known for his strength and defensive solidity, Danilo has a Brazilian flair that allows him to create chances in the final third, but he is not a marauding full-back who loves to attack. He is more of a hard-tackling defender, who hates for any attacks to build up from his side.
At just 26, he has already played 15 internationals for Brazil but has managed just 45 appearances in the La Liga over the last two years. With regards to Manchester City, he adds a different dimension to the role, with Walker acting more as a winger than a full-back for most games.
The Spanish manager let go of the likes of Pablo Zabaleta, Bacary Sagna and Gael Clichy, all of who were used in this role last season. Walker is still expected to be the first choice and adding Danilo to the squad has now solved the right-back problem for the Etihad for at least half a decade.
It will be interesting to see how Pochettino uses the duo, keeping them happy with enough game time, but Danilo has a bit of more experience in Europe and could find a place in the first team if Walker takes time to settle in.
£75m+ on two full-backs is surprising but in the current inflated transfer market, it is hardly astonishing. And having acquired two players for the same role, with stark contrast playing styles, makes Manchester City stronger at the back. But do you think Danilo is the right man for Guardiola?
