Manchester City opinion: Guardiola should win the race for Junior Firpo
According to Football Espana, Manchester City are in a tough battle with Arsenal, Liverpool, Juventus, Real Madrid and Barcelona for the signing of Real Betis left-back Junior Firpo.
The 22-year-old is under contract at the La Liga outfit until 2023 but a release clause of €50million makes him available to his potential suitors this summer.
Firpo joined Real Betis’ youth system as an 18-year old in 2014 and played mainly for their youth setup before making his senior debut against Deportivo de La Coruna in February 2018.
Only the fourth ever Dominican Republic player to play in the La Liga, Firpo has been a regular for the Beticos and has made 35 appearances so far in his short yet impressive career.
Manchester City
Pep Guardiola has been forced to use the likes of Aymeric Laporte, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Fabian Delph and Danilo out of position in Mendy’s role but the City boss needs to bring in a natural left-back this summer.
Junior Firpo would be an ideal replacement/backup to Mendy and is someone City should pursue in the upcoming transfer window.
Firpo, like Mendy, is a phenomenal attacker and his bombarding runs down the left flank are incredibly difficult to stop. The 22-year-old, despite barely being 6ft tall, is incredibly strong and has the ability to hold off his opponents with considerable ease.
One of Firpo’s most commendable traits is his tackling. The youngster puts his body on the line when it comes to blocks and his tackling is outstanding for his age.
His ability to not be fazed when under enormous physical pressure is something that will be a massive asset in the Premier League and he would be an outstanding fit.
In the La Liga this season, Firpo averages 1.6 tackles per game and 1.7 clearances so far, both better than the likes of Jordi Alba and Marcelo. He also averages close to 40 passes a game with a healthy 82.5% passing accuracy, something that Pep Guardiola is always keen about in his players.
The Dominican Republic full-back plays in a system where crosses aren’t used as much as it in the Premier League and it is one area where he might struggle in England.
However, under Guardiola, Firpo can develop his game to be one of the best in his position and it’s is a move he shouldn’t hesitate to make.
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Conclusion
Manchester City would be solving a massive problem that they are facing in left full-back by signing Junior Firpo and if he can fulfil his potential under Guardiola, he can lead the City backline for the best part of the next decade. City should not think twice about making a move for the 22-year old in the summer.