After Serie A giants Inter Milan completed a deal to sign Man United winger Alexis Sanchez, with the Chilean putting pen-to-paper on a free transfer after a torrid spell at Old Trafford, Man City director of football Txiki Begiristain will be counting his lucky stars we didn’t land the £200,000-per-week flop.
Indeed, City pulled out of a move to sign the ex-Premier League sensation, largely down to his financial demands, United swooped in and offered Sanchez a staggering £500,000-per-week deal – but his tenure on the other side of Manchester certainly didn’t live up to the price.
Should City have signed Alexis Sanchez?
Absolutely, would have thrived under Guardiola
No, bad apple
Making just 45 appearances for the Red Devils in all competitions since signing in January 2018, over two years ago, Sanchez has now opted to make his loan move to Inter permanent on a free after rediscovering his best form – even opting to take a significant wage reduction.
Dodged a bullet…
Swerving the 31-year-old by pulling out of negotiations, City and Begiristain arguably dodged the ultimate bullet, and if they could have seen what was to come from him at United, it would have made their decision feel that much smarter.
Of course, after he played well for the Red Devils during our 3-2 derby loss at the Etihad in 2018, a match where we could have won the league against our bitter rivals, supporters would have arguably felt differently.
However, given the nature of his tenure at United, with reports suggesting an attitude problem, it was ultimately the right decision despite Pep Guardiola’s eagerness at the time.
What the critics say…
Since becoming reborn at the San Siro, boss Antonio Conte has waxed lyrical over the South American’s return to form, having claimed he is now an ‘extra weapon’ in Inter’s attacking line.
“He was coming from two bad seasons, but I knew who we were going to get,” explained the Italian via the Sun after a 4-0 victory over SPAL.
“He basically came on loan, a pity for the ankle injury that cost him the operation.
“His future? It is right to talk about it with the club, but he is a rediscovered footballer, with the right hunger.
“He suffered a lot, he is now well, he is an extra weapon for us.”
The final verdict…
Whether or not things would have been different at City remains up for debate, but given our acquisition of Riyad Mahrez and the rise of Phil Foden since then, Begiristain pulling out should be applauded.