Manchester City are reportedly in talks with 21-year-old Anderlecht defender Sergio Gomez as they look to strengthen their left-back options.
According to Belgian outlet Nieuwsblad, Premier League champions Manchester City have set their sights on Anderlhect defender Sergio Gomez as they look to reinforce their squad ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.
Pep Guardiola’s side came out second best to arch-rivals Liverpool in the Community Shield at the weekend. Given how close both teams have pushed each other, the Manchester City boss cannot leave anything to chance.
A deep squad is needed to negotiate a season that also includes the FIFA World Cup, and one weakness in the Manchester City roster is the lack of depth at left-back. Joao Cancelo is the club’s first choice in the role, but the Portuguese international is primarily a right-back.
More so, there is a lack of dependable options beneath him in the pecking order following the sale of Oleksandr Zinchenko to Arsenal. A left-back is thus on the agenda at the Etihad, and Manchester City have fallen short of landing Brighton & Hove Albion defender Marc Cucurella, who has agreed personal terms with Chelsea.
Manchester City have thus shifted gears and have locked their vision onto Gomez. The 21-year-old is a rising star in the Belgian top flight and has shown terrific promise. While it would be too much to ask to dethrone Cancelo, the Spanish left-back represents a reliable backup who can come in when needed.
Gomez hails from La Masia, and the chance to reunite with a Barcelona legend in Manchester City colours could prove tempting. Manchester City and Anderlecht are currently in negotiations, and it remains to be seen whether terms can be agreed upon.
The young Spaniard provided more assists than any other left-back in the Belgian top division last season, something that augurs well for Manchester City’s style. More so, the 21-year-old is also capable of playing several other roles. Gomez could potentially not just replace Zinchenko at left-back but also as Manchester City’s utility man.
Gomez is a good passer of the ball and has an impressive range of passing. He also provides a threat on direct set-pieces, adding another dimension to the Manchester City attack. As someone who likes to make crosses often, there is every chance that Erling Haaland could thrive with Gomez on the field. With the season just a few days away, the onus is on Manchester City to get the deal over the line.
