Man City News

Opinion: Signing 6ft 3 Man City target who could “surpass” Lampard would be huge Txiki triumph

|

Earlier this week, French news outlet le10sport claimed that Serie A giants Lazio were waiting on either Man City, Man United, Real Madrid or Juventus to better Paris-Saint Germain’s offer for midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic – and doing so could be Txiki Begiristain’s most daring transfer move yet. 

Indeed, PSG have long been in the running for Milinkovic-Savic, but a lack of resources this summer means that they cannot bid over their €60 million (£54.1 million) threshold – with both Manchester clubs allegedly capable of making superior offers for the midfielder.

A 6ft 3 powerhouse, he would arguably inject some much needed height into City’s team whilst representing an alternative to the likes of Bernardo Silva and Phil Foden in central attacking midfield – with club legend David Silva set to move the opposite way to Lazio. 

A worthy swoop?

In a hypothetical sense, perhaps Silva’s potential three-year deal at Lazio could help smooth negotiations if City were to lodge an official bid for the Serbian – but is he worth the trouble?

1 of 10

What year did David Silva sign for the Blues?

According to WhoScored, while averaging 2.4 shots per game, more than any Sky Blue central midfielder bar star playmaker Kevin De Bruyne, the 25-year-old also wins 3.5 aerial duels every 90 minutes.

His record battling for headers is particularly noteworthy, averaging far more successful attempts than all City players – something that could entice Begiristain and co given our lack of presence in that area.

What’s been said?

Waxing lyrical over his client around two years ago, Milinkovic-Savic’s agent Mateja Kezman claimed that he could even ‘surpass’ the likes of Frank Lampard and Arjen Robben whilst also stating he has ‘better quality’ than Paul Pogba.

“When Sergej came to Italy, he was compared with Pogba, because at that moment it was probably the easiest comparison to make in terms of characteristics,” Kezman told Mozzart Sport via Goal.

“I do really respect Pogba, let’s be clear, and other linkers who can run and work for the team, but I think now Sergej has different and better quality than Pogba.

“I’ve played with Arjen Robben, Frank Lampard and some of the best in Europe and I think Sergej can surpass them if he keeps this up.

“He could soon be a candidate for the Ballon d’Or.”

The final verdict…

While City haven’t been linked in the press for a while, with the exception of le10sport’s most recent update, a swoop for the Serie A colossus could arguably be Begiristain’s biggest triumph yet.

Share this article