Leicester City defender Caglar Soyuncu has been a reported target of Pep Guardiola for some time, with reports stretching all the way back to January, but now it looks like the Citizens have been dealt a blow in their alleged pursuit of the defender.
Soyuncu, who has arguably done a fine job stepping in for ex-stalwart Harry Maguire since his departure to Man United last summer, is currently on City’s radar as we attempt to strengthen our backline in preparation for next season – especially when taking into consideration Aymeric Laporte’s lengthy absences.
Laporte, who played a starring role alongside club legend Vincent Kompany during the 2018/2019 campaign, helping City secure an historic domestic quadruple, has had to sit patiently on the sidelines this season as he struggles with various injury issues – resulting in Guardiola’s men becoming somewhat leaky at the back without his presence.
To combat this issue with our squad, Soyuncu was apparently prioritised as a target for Guardiola as he searches for defensive reinforcement – but according to this report from the Daily Express, we may have missed out on the Turkey international as a potential saviour.
Is this a huge blow for the Sky Blues?
Yes
No
According to WhoScored, compared to stand-in defender Nicolas Otamendi who has been partnered with Fernandinho this campaign, Soyuncu has averaged more tackles, more interceptions and fewer fouls – with the 23-year-old looking superior to the Argentine in almost every way defensively.
Soyuncu’s stance on leaving Leicester has been made perfectly clear as per this Express report, with the youngster stating he wouldn’t think it would be right for him to go somewhere right now.
Judging by the defender’s loyalty to the Foxes, we may have to try our luck for a stern defensive addition elsewhere.