There have been several rumours regarding what could happen with some veterans during this upcoming transfer window, or even if they wind up staying at their current clubs or it is possible that they wind up leaving during the summer transfer window.
It’s very hard to watch those ageing players leave their current teams when they get older, as this business is a very ungrateful one, and fans and team’s management often tend to forget all the things those guys did for their club over the course of their careers.
One of those players who is currently struggling to get anything going under a new management, is Manchester City’s veteran Gael Clichy, a player that’s been a key piece in the Citizens surge since his arrival from Arsenal at the beginning of the 2011-2012 campaign.
The 31-year-old French full-back hasn’t been very consistent over the course of the season, and even if he became a fan favourite due to his great work ethic and talent, there have been several reports that stated that his days as a Citizen might be coming to an end, as he hasn’t pleased his new boss Pep Guardiola during his first season as the club manager.
The French veteran has featured in 16 games so far this season, but his subpar performances have really hurt his team, as Manchester City’s defensive woes have cost them through most of the season and Guardiola is looking to make a major overhaul in that sector of his squad during this upcoming transfer window, something that would eventually mean the departure of several guys in order to make room for some newcomers that help them finally lock their defence once again.
So, there have been several teams that have asked for Clichy and his future, with most of the offers coming overseas from a lesser important tournament, the Italian Serie A, where players arrive to watch the last good years of their careers go by.
The teams that are allegedly interested in acquiring Gael’s services are Napoli, AS Roma and Internazionale, but we can’t help but to think that even if the Frenchman could have a starring role on those sides while getting some pressure off thanks to a relatively slower paced of football, he could actually do better during this last stage of his career, so Manchester City should help him get a better alternative for his future rather than just going to any of those clubs.
For instance, Pep Guardiola is reportedly interested in reuniting himself with one of his favourite guys from his Bayern Munich stint, David Alaba, so including the veteran in the negotiations for the young full-back could make things more appealing for everybody, as Bayern Munich would gain experience and Clichy would get the chance of actually fighting for an important trophy as the UEFA Champions League.
Clichy still has something left in his tank, and moving to the Serie A could wind up killing his successful career, so he should think this move through and avoid it if he can in order to hang the cleats elsewhere.