What with the wing back position being something of a weak point in the side, Manchester City have reportedly lined up highly-rated Benfica left-back Álex Grimaldo this coming January transfer window.
Aged just 21, the Spanish born defender signed for Benfica after becoming a name stay in Barcelona’s B team.
Despite only making 10 apps for the Portuguese giants, Grimaldo has become a hot potential acquisitions for many of Europe’s biggest side’s, not to mention Manchester United who have mad enquiries about his signature in early October.
Alternatively, many have caught side of the youngster when getting in the way of this Ricardo Quaresma rocket.
it’s believed Benfica will be setting an astronomical asking price of €45 million (£38.5 million) for his services, around £10 millions less than the total of the players release clause.
Having acquired their star wing back for just £1.3 million, Pepe’s former club Barca are thought to possess a sizeable chunk of any sell on fee if indeed the reigning Primeira Liga champion do decide to cash-in.
What are City getting for their money?
Having opted to leave the comfort of La Masia, it’s worth noting that Grimaldo escaped the clutches of the Spanish champions for an astonishingly low fee.
With a year remaining in his contract, not to mention his discontent at not being able to make a break through into the first team, the club lost out on charging a suitably high figure for their prospect.
An attacking minded left back come midfielder, praise has been lauded on Grimaldo for his willingness to bomb forward with great intensity.
Added to that, the Spaniard’s faultless technique (remember he’s linked with a Pep side) is married with a dangerous left foot apt at delivering devastating set pieces.
Saying that, questions marks have previously been raised over his over zealous tackling, not to mention an inability on occasions to track his man when an attack has broken down.
Deficiencies you can bet someone like Guardiola will revel in trying to abolish.
(Via MCFCWatch)