Despite falling just short of their first Champions League triumph, the Cityzens enjoyed a largely positive campaign, reclaiming their Premier League title after succumbing it in favor of Liverpool in the previous season. Pep Guardiola’s well-oiled machine relied heavily on squad rotation, but some players featured less than what they were hoping for, and could be now contemplating a future outside of Manchester – perhaps in the Italian peninsula. So let’s find out who are the three Manchester City players who should consider a move to Serie A during this summer’s transfer market.
Benjamin Mendy (Left-Back)
Since joining the club in 2017, the Frenchman’s stint in North England has been plagued with injury problems.
Nonetheless, the 2018 World Cup winner was available for the majority of the previous season, and yet, his manager left him on the bench for large spells of the campaign, favoring Oleksandr Zinchenko and Joao Cancelo during the more important matches.
Therefore, the writing is on the wall for the former Monaco fullback, and leaving Manchester City for Serie A would be the right move to save his career before its too late.
Whilst José Mourinho could be interested in brining in a left-back from Manchester who isn’t named Luke Shaw, he already has a wonderful option in Leonardo Spinazzola.
On the other hand, Juventus and Inter both need some fresh legs in this department, and Giuseppe Marotta could offer him the chance to play as wing-back within Simone Inzaghi’s 3-5-2 formation, by conducting one of his famous loans with option to buy deals.
Preferable Destination: Inter (Loan with an option to buy)
? BREAKING | #BenjaminMendy will be SOLD this summer with #ManCity closing in on #NunoMendes!!
??✍️ pic.twitter.com/WPi0Hbm93f— Raphael_TC47 (@Raphael_4717) June 8, 2021
Fernandinho (Defensive Midfielder)
After the departures of Yaya Touré, Vincent Kompany, David Silva and Sergio Aguero, the Brazilian is the last man standing in this memorable generation for City fans.
However, the midfielder’s contract is expiring by the end of the month, and the two parties are yet to agree on a renewal.
Despite being a favorite of Guardiola, at the age of 36, the former Shakhtar Donetsk man is being provided with less playing time with every passing season.
So instead of finding himself on the Manchester City bench for the remaining years of his campaign, perhaps he can take a pay-cut and embark on a new adventure in Serie A – which is known to be the haven for aging veterans who are trying to extend their careers whilst remaining relevant.
With Maurizio Sarri taking charge at the blue side of the capital, Fernandinho could be more suitable to the Regista role than his compatriot Lucas Leiva.
Preferable Destination: Lazio (free transfer)
#ManCity continue to discuss contract extension with Fernandinho for an extra year.
[@sistoney67] pic.twitter.com/AHL9SPwgIg
— City Chief (@City_Chief) June 10, 2021
Gabriel Jesus (Striker)
Our second Brazilian on the list. The attacker has been at the club since 2017, and has already went through several ups and downs under the guidance of the Spanish tactician.
Nonetheless, it is becoming more and more clear that the 24-year-old doesn’t hold the full trust of his manager, who has recently opted to shift other players to the “false nine” role rather than giving him a chance to start.
The former Palmeiras man’s role has been limited to either a second half substitute or a rotation option for the lesser fixtures.
Gabriel has recently been linked with a move towards Juventus – especially if Cristiano Ronaldo were to leave the club – and he would definitely add a different dimension to the Bianconeri’s attacking department.
Preferable Destination: Juventus (loan with obligation to buy)
Juventus want to sign Gabriel Jesus from Manchester City this summer on loan.
The Italian club have accelerated talks with his representatives.
(Source: Gazzetta dello Sport) pic.twitter.com/5lwt0B3tP0
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) June 11, 2021