Manchester City have expressed interest in the pursuit of Internacional forward Yuri Alberto, having contacted the Brazilian club.
According to Brazilian football journalist, Juliano Machado, Manchester City have contacted Internacional, exploring the possibility of signing Yuri Alberto. The forward has become a hot topic in the market due to his performances in his native country and is soon tipped for a big-money move to Europe.
Manchester City have poached quite a few Brazilian talents in recent years, including the likes of Yan Couto and current star Gabriel Jesus. Although the forward could move on soon, should other big clubs across Europe make a move, head coach Pep Guardiola is already eyeing for reinforcements.
Yuri has emerged as an ideal target, having made a stunning breakthrough in Brazilian Serie A last year, with a total of nine goals in 23 appearances. The forward then followed up on his achievements to score eleven goals during the 2021 campaign while also bagging three goals in the Copa Libertadores.
A centre-forward by trade, the 20-year-old has made a solid impression not only due to his offensive productivity but also his ingenuity and technical prowess in the final third. It has made him an appealing option for Manchester City’s complex attacking system that often doesn’t require a traditional centre-forward.
Although the Citizens have not shied away from the pursuit of superstars like Harry Kane and Erling Haaland, Guardiola’s tactical brilliance has led to the team thriving even after the summer exit of Sergio Aguero.
Yuri Alberto, to that end, fits the bill well and his technically-oriented style of play should see him settle in effortlessly in Guardiola’s gameplan. Moreover, the Brazilian can offer some much-needed competition for Gabriel Jesus, Ferran Torres and Phil Foden in the number nine slot.
At the age of just 20, the Internacional striker has a bright future ahead of him as well, making him a smart long-term investment option for Manchester City.
However, it remains to be seen how much Internacional demand for their prized attacking asset, as they do rate the player quite highly and given the success Brazilian players often have in Europe, the youngster could easily cost in excess of €30 million next summer. The figure may even increase if the Citizens try to snap up in the upcoming January transfer window.
