Manchester City have reportedly identified 25-year-old Bayer Leverkusen forward Patrik Schick as a potential target next summer.
According to a report from Fichajes, Patrik Schick has emerged as the latest target for Manchester City. The reigning English champions are in the market for a new striker as they still look for an ideal replacement for Sergio Aguero.
The Bayer Leverkusen forward has been identified as a potential candidate, although Manchester City can expect stiff competition from other European giants such as Juventus and Borussia Dortmund.
Formerly of AS Roma, Schick has built quite a reputation for himself thanks to his performances for club and country. He initially arrived in the Bundesliga back in 2019, joining RB Leipzig on a season-long loan deal. The 25-year-old scored ten goals in just 22 league appearances but was shockingly let go of by Die Roten Bullen.
Fortunately for him, Bayer Leverkusen were on hand to secure his services in 2020, this time in a permanent deal worth around €26.5 million. It has proven to be a bargain, as the Czech international has since scored 29 goals for the club in just 58 competitive appearances.
Sixteen of Schick’s goals have come in the new season, with the forward being the Bundesliga’s second-highest goal-scorer, just behind Robert Lewandowski. The 25-year-old was also the joint top-scorer alongside Cristiano Ronaldo at UEFA Euro 2020 earlier this year. His blistering performances have now alerted multiple clubs across Europe, including Manchester City.
As mentioned earlier, the Citizens are scouring the market for a new forward, preferably keeping the upcoming January transfer window in mind. They are among the clubs in contention to sign Atletico Madrid’s wantaway superstar Joao Felix, although Pep Guardiola will be more than willing to wait until the summer to sign either Erling Haaland, Dusan Vlahovic or Harry Kane.
However, it is fair to point out that all of them may cost a fortune, while Manchester City may also face major competition, as Real Madrid, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain are also gunning for a top forward. Haaland is already in talks with Barcelona, who have identified him as a priority target in the summer.
Schick, in that regard, could be an excellent cost-effective alternative, as the Czech international can offer physical and aerial prowess inside the box. Although the 25-year-old may not be as speedy as Haaland, the Leverkusen forward makes up for it with his sheer goalscoring capacity.
He could thus be a serious attacking target for Manchester City or most other top clubs across Europe, though it remains to be seen whether he can keep up his scoring form throughout the remainder of the Bundesliga campaign.
