Manchester City are reportedly set to rival Barcelona in the pursuit of Cedric Soares, with the Citizens tracking the Portuguese’s performances at Southampton
Daily Mirror have reported that Manchester City are showing interest in Southampton star Cedric Soares. The defender is already a target for Barcelona as the Catalans are set to delve into the market in the summer to reinforce at the right-back position. And the Citizens are now set to provide competition to Guardiola’s former employers.
Cedric Soares arrived at St. Mary’s in the summer of 2015 in a near £5 million transfer from Sporting Lisbon and has since established himself firmly at the back, first under Ronald Koeman and now Claude Puel. The player also played a crucial part in Portugal’s defensively solid Euro 2016 display that saw them win their maiden international trophy.
This season, he has featured in 19 Premier League appearances, with a single assist to show for his efforts. His performances, though, have caught the eye of Spanish heavyweights Barcelona, with the right-back playing a prominent part in 7 clean sheets in the league games that he has been deployed at the right side of the defence.
Barcelona have seen the rise of Sergi Roberto, who has transitioned from playing as a central midfielder to a right-back. But, despite his early season form, he has recently come under the scanner for some less than satisfactory performances. Aleix Vidal, on the other hand, has failed to impress since making the move to Nou Camp.
Southampton’s full-back Cedric Soares is a summer transfer target for Manchester City and Barcelona. [Mirror] pic.twitter.com/9ZQUIprHjO
— City Chief ️ (@City_Chief) March 4, 2017
The injury to Vidal activated an emergency transfer option for Barcelona. But, they have decided against signing a player on temporary basis and they are expected to reinforce heavily at the right-back position. And while they have been linked with other more high profile players, Cedric Soares could fit the profile.
Add to that the presence of Andre Gomes already at Nou Camp and one could see Soares make the move to Spain to join his international teammate. But, Manchester City have entered the reckoning as well. The Citizens themselves have been looking to freshen up the options available at Guardiola’s disposal for the wide defensive areas.
They have been linked to the likes of Kyle Walker, Hector Bellerin – someone who has been on Barcelona’s radar as well – and Soares is the latest to enter their radar. Soares presents as a player who is already well aware and has shown that he has settled in well with the rigours of English football.
Southampton are likely to ask £20 million for the player, if they do decide to let the player, whose Southampton deal expires in 2020, leave in the summer. This means the player could prove to be a cheaper alternative to both Barcelona and Manchester City in comparison to the high-profile names they have been linked with.
While Southampton chairman Ralph Kreuger ruled out a sale for Virgil Van Dijk, the Saints could cash in on the player, if the interested parties decide to meet the aforementioned valuation.
