Manchester City star Oleksandr Zinchenko is reportedly on the radars of Genoa, managed by Andriy Zinchenko.
A recent report from Pianita Genoa has offered an update on Genoa’s transfer policy in the upcoming January transfer window. The Italian outfit, facing the prospect of relegation, have recently appointed Andriy Shevchenko as their new manager. And just a month after his arrival, it appears the former Chelsea forward is already trying to poach some Ukrainian stars, especially from the Premier League.
One player he is particularly keeping an eye on is Oleksandr Zinchenko of Manchester City. While the report doesn’t offer any specific details regarding the interest, it appears Shevchenko believes he can offer the versatile star a lifeline and an opportunity to get regular game-time after a disappointing few years at Etihad.
Part of the Manchester City side since 2016, Zinchenko initially broke into the scene in the Premier League back in the 2018/19 campaign, featuring in 14 league matches. During the early parts of his professional career, the Ukrainian made a name for himself under Pep Guardiola due to his technical ability and versatility, as he could effortlessly switch between a left-back and central midfield role.
However, over the past couple of years, the 24-year-old’s growth has stagnated. He has struggled to become a regular at Manchester City, even with Benjamin Mendy out of the scene, with Guardiola instead relying on Joao Cancelo and even Nathan Ake, who is a January target for West Ham, at left-back.
In the ongoing season, Zinchenko has featured in only three league games. The lack of game-time has evidently frustrated the player, who had enjoyed a greater degree of success in the Ukrainian national team under the stewardship of Shevchenko.
The former Ballon d’Or winner had even played a key role making Zinchenko one of Ukraine’s most pivotal figures for his country’s midfield unit. But after leaving the national team in the summer, he has recently taken up a new job at Genoa, a club in desperate need of January reinforcements as they looks to escape the wrath of relegation.
Therefore, Shevchenko is hoping for a reunion with the Manchester City star during the second half of the campaign. But it remains to be seen whether the Premier League champions sanction the deal, knowing they do not have much cover for Cancelo, who is currently serving as the first-choice left-back.
Genoa, though, may have a greater degree of success in their pursuit of Andriy Yarmolenko, another Ukrainian player pursued by coach Shevchenko, in the upcoming January transfer window.
