Gabriel Jesus scored four goals and made one assist in Manchester City’s 5-1 win over Watford last Saturday, but his future at the Etihad Stadium is still uncertain.
The 25-year-old hasn’t commanded a regular starting place under Pep Guardiola this season and is out of contract in 2023, so there’s a growing fear he could leave on a free transfer in 12 months.
Jesus is a natural centre-forward but has found playing time through the middle hard to come by. He’s often been used out wide by Guardiola while Raheem Sterling, Phil Foden or Jack Grealish have started centrally, so he might want assurances over his role before deciding his future.
Thierry Henry believes City should keep him as he has a real striker’s instinct and is brilliant at winning the ball off defenders. He told CBS Sports (h/t Manchester Evening News): “He scored four goals at the weekend. He has that ‘nine’ instinct.
“What I like with him is that when he puts pressure, whether it’s on the left, on the right or in the middle, he doesn’t have a problem defending in these situations by coming back and helping his team.”
Jesus has turned over the ball 28 times in 24 Premier League games, but he’s also guilty of relinquishing possession cheaply with 53 unsuccessful touches and 22 dispossessions.
Nevertheless, the Brazilian international boasts 12 goals and 12 assists from 36 games across the board this season, so it’s clear he provides goals when given the opportunity. He wants guarantees before committing beyond 2023, however.
In other news, what’s the latest on Benjamin Mendy?