Manchester City and Liverpool are reportedly interested in signing Jean Michael Seri from OGC Nice, who is also a long time target for Barcelona
According to a report by Daily Mail, Jean Michael Seri is the subject of interest from Manchester City and Liverpool. The Premier League heavyweights have joined Barcelona in pursuit of the OGC Nice midfielder, who is open to a move to the Premier League.
Seri shot into the limelight last season as an pivotal part of the OGC Nice squad that surprised one and all by finishing third in Ligue 1. The lynchpin in midfield for the French Riviera outfit, he featured in all but four games for the side, while also contributing to his team’s cause with seven goals and nine assists.
His exploits helped Seri earn widespread interest from a number of clubs in the summer, and looked likely to end his stint at the Allianz Riviera before a move failed to materialise. But, the 2017-18 season just might turn out to be his final season at Nice, with several suitors still in his pursuit.
The latest clubs that have set about plotting moves for Seri are Manchester City and Liverpool, who are showing “concrete interest” in him, as per the report, after having him monitored extensively this term.
2,733 passes attempted ?
2,460 passes completed ?
90% pass accuracy ?
60% forward passes ⏩Jean Michael Seri was a creative hub in 2016/17. pic.twitter.com/NMnXLZnEwh
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) August 7, 2017
At the Etihad, Pep Guardiola & co. have been on a tear this season, dominating just about every side that has come up against them. The rampant success has built on the back of their masterful command in midfield, with Fernandinho holding fort at the centre of the park.
But, the Brazilian is on the wrong side of 30, and Seri could become a long-term replacement for him for City. The player’s qualities on the ball, coupled with his playmaking abilities make him a viable target for Guardiola.
Liverpool, on the other hand, do not have a player who could hold fort deep in midfield while also taking the creative responsibilities. The likes of Emre Can, Jordan Henderson and James Milner have been deployed in the role, but have not managed to be consistent enough to provide suitable cover in front of the back-line.
While Naby Keita is set to make the move to Anfield next summer, he is more of a box-to-box midfielder, which is why Seri is an ideal target. But, the Premier League duo will face competition from Barcelona for the player, with the club reigniting their interest in him after failing to land him in the summer.
The Ivorian has often drawn comparisons with Xavi, who has not been adequately replaced by Barcelona upon his departure in 2015. With the Blaugrana eyeing long-term replacements for Andres Iniesta, Seri is a player who is among a number of possible targets for them.
The report, though, suggests that Seri is keen on a move to the Premier League, which could hand City and Liverpool the edge in their pursuit of the player. It now remains to be seen if the 26-year-old is able to finally secure a move away from Nice and if so, where his next destination lies.
