Another promising talent has come into the limelight in Europe and again it is the two clubs of Manchester who are reportedly locking horns to secure his services. The player in question here is Fred of Shakhtar Donetsk. City is believed to be way ahead in the chase for the player’s signature, who is valued at around £27 million.
It seems to be a matter of when rather than if regarding the player’s move to England. City are keen to add him to their squad this window but the Russian outfit of Shakhtar are keen to hold on to their Brazilian at least till the summer.
Fred has been in excellent form for the Ukranian giants this season and his stocks have risen considerably over the last one year. Since signing a new two-year contract last year with Shakhtar, Fred has been shown interest by a number of clubs. He notably performed well against Manchester City as well and has helped Shakhtar stay in the second spot in a tough Champions League group this season.
He has been shown interest by Jose Mourinho’s men from Old Trafford as well but the Brazilian is likely to turn down a chance to join the Portuguese’s army of Red Devils to team up with Pep Guardiola at the Etihad. He has a glowing admiration for the Spaniard’s work at City and it only seems a matter of time rather more than anything else before he comes to City.
He told Gazzetta Dello Sport: “A friend gave me the news saying that City and Guardiola were interested in me. At the exit of the locker room, he (Guardiola) stopped me and said we had a good game.”
“However, I confess, I wait impatiently for his call to arrive now. I think I would grow a lot with him. England is the best league in the world and I’ve always dreamed of playing there.”
He will fit into the team perfectly as an exciting player with the likes of David Silva, Kevin De Bruyne, Leroy Sane and more. Moreover, Pep’s system of football will see the Brazilian take up the role of a fulcrum in the team. He is expected to be a long-term replacement for the impressive Fernandinho in the squad. Moreover, with Yaya Toure now ageing and Ilkay Gundogan clearly not the defensive player to shield the backline, Fred will have a crucial role to play in City’s Guardiola era should he come to the Etihad.
