According to a past report by journalist Lucas Scagliola via Sports Illustrated, Man City recently added Ajax defender and Chelsea transfer target Nicolas Tagliafico to their summer shortlist – and director of football Txiki Begiristain would arguably be remiss if we fail to pursue a deal.
It’s been a busy summer transfer window so far for the Sky Blues, having already secured Ferran Torres and Nathan Ake for a combined £61.8 million plus add-ons, but recent reports suggest City won’t be done there.
Should City sign Tagliafico over David Alaba?
Yes, much cheaper and in the same league
No
As per Sam Lee in the Athletic, we are also debating whether or not to sign a new left-back, all the while continuing our pursuit of Napoli star Kalidou Koulibaly.
However, despite links to David Alaba, City should be targeting Tagliafico as a solid left-back option who can also play at centre-half when needed.
Worth the effort…
Even though new signing Ake can play in the left-back role, it’s arguably not his best position, with centre-midfield possibly a more appealing makeshift option to a player once likened to David Luiz.
Manager Pep Guardiola prefers natural left-footers on that side, leaving little possibility that Joao Cancelo will continue to be utilised there.
This could open the door for a new left-back to come in, especially considering how inconsistent Benjamin Mendy has proven at times this season, along with Oleksandr Zinchenko’s poor run of form.
Better than Robertson?
Liverpool defender Andrew Robertson has often wowed for Jurgen Klopp’s side over 2019/2020 and in previous seasons, but a study courtesy of totalfootballanalysis.com may highlight Tagliafico is in the same league, if not superior.
Indeed, according to these stats, the £25.2 million-valued workhorse recovers more successfully per 90 whilst completing a higher number of dribbles and winning the larger amount of defensive duels compared to Robertson.
If Ajax were to sell for a similar amount to this Transfermarkt fee, City could have found a real diamond.
The final verdict…
Evidence appears overwhelming in terms of his ability, with Chelsea also monitoring his situation as a transfer alternative to Ben Chilwell.
Tagliafico’s potential price tag is also a real plus, and it’s not unreasonable to theorise he could sign at the Etihad for an even cheaper fee than Ake.