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Man City signing this experienced 25-year-old star would sort out their shaky defence

Why Manchester City should make a move for Marquinhos in January

Back in May 2017, The Independent had claimed that Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola was interested in signing Paris Saint-Germain’s Brazilian ace Marquinhos and Athletic Bilbao’s Aymeric Laporte. But City signed only Laporte during the 2018 January transfer window.

Marquinhos, 25, joined Paris Saint-Germain back in 2013 from AS Roma and has tasted immense success at the Parc des Princes, having won 19 trophies till date.

The Brazil international has played over 250 games across all competitions for the Parisians, marshalling the backline alongside compatriot Thiago Silva.

PSG teammates Marquinhos and Edinson Cavani celebrate a goal. (Getty Images)
PSG teammates Marquinhos and Edinson Cavani celebrate a goal. (Getty Images)

Although the 25-year-old versatile defender has a contract with PSG until the summer of 2022, Manchester City must revive their interest in the upcoming winter transfer window.

Manchester City’s hopes of winning a third successive Premier League title already seem in ruins after falling 14 points behind leaders Liverpool. The derby loss to Manchester United was already the fourth defeat of their league campaign, a harsh awakening for a side that simply dominated the last two top-flight seasons.

One of the chief reasons for their undoing has been their defensive struggles throughout the campaign. Guardiola didn’t replace Vincent Kompany in the summer, meaning an injury to Aymeric Laporte has left them in tatters at the back.

City are weak defensively, with John Stones failing to keep himself fit and Nicolas Otamendi making too many errors at the back. A lack of defensive stability has seen opponents going after Guardiola’s team fearlessly, just like Manchester United did recently.

Paris Saint-Germain defender Marquinhos in action. (Getty Images)
Paris Saint-Germain defender Marquinhos in action. (Getty Images)

It’s an area which the City manager should prioritise next month and Marquinhos would be an excellent fit at the Etihad Stadium. A central defender by trade, Marquinhos is equally adept operating in a holding role or at right-back.

The Brazilian’s composure means he is always available to receive the ball under pressure and he knows all about the fine line between playing the ball out from the back and hoofing it forward to get it out of play quickly. A good reader of the game, the ex-Roma starlet never hesitates to stick his leg out to stop the opposition’s advances.

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As per WhoScored, the 25-year-old has registered 1.8 tackles, 0.9 interceptions, 1.3 clearances and 0.2 blocks, whilst enjoying a whooping 93.1% pass success rate in Ligue 1 this campaign. In the video below, one could get a glimpse of Marquinhos’ style of play and the qualities he could bring to City if they sign him.

Verdict

At the age of 25, Marquinhos is one of the established defenders in Europe. He has massive experience and would be an incredible signing for City, one that would sort out their defence for a number of years.