Three Possible Destinations For Joe Hart If He Leaves Manchester City In The Summer
Manchester City are leaving no stone unturned to get back to winning ways. The Citizens did not enjoy the best of the seasons under new manager Pep Guardiola, as they failed to challenge for any major honours. While a third-placed finish is good enough for getting them Champions League football, a lot more was expected when the former Bayern Munich and Barcelona manager was handed over the reins.
Guardiola has acted fast in the close season, to clear off all the deadwood from the squad with the likes of Pablo Zabaleta, Bacary Sagna, Jesus Navas, Willy Caballero and Gael Clichy all having been shown the exit doors. They have also snapped up some key signings like Bernardo Silva (AS Monaco) and goalkeeper Ederson Moraes (SL Benfica).
However, one player whose future is in doldrums, is long-serving goalkeeper Joe Hart. The England international was forced out of the squad upon Guardiola’s arrival and following his loan spell with Italian club Torino last season, he finds himself in a difficult situation. With the arrival of Ederson, it doesn’t seem like there is a way back for the 30-year old in the Citizens’ setup.
A veteran with 348 appearances for City in over ten years at the club, Hart was a key member of the teams that went on to win the Premier League titles in 2011-12 and 2013-14. He has also won two League Cups and an FA Cup with the Citizens. However, it looks possible that he might leave the club in the summer on a permanent deal and here are three possible destinations for the 30-year old Hart.
Crystal Palace
The Eagles have finally brought in a new manager in the shape of Frank De Boer and one of the first tasks at hand for the former Ajax and Inter Milan boss will be to bring in a new stopper with the situation of Steve Mandanda getting worse.
The Frenchman lost his No.1 spot to Wayne Hennessey due to an injury and hasn’t been able to break into the team ever since, which has left him inching for a move away. As per latest reports, he has been refusing to return to training for the pre-season, in order to force a move to French club Marseille (The Sun). Hennessey too hasn’t been a model of consistency in goal and a new custodian will do a world of good for Palace.
Hart, with his proven credentials and vast experience in the Premier League, will be a top class addition to their ranks.
West Ham United
Another club that could use someone of Hart’s ilk and quality is West Ham United. The Hammers have a big rebuilding job ahead of next season and the goalkeeping position is something that manager Slaven Bilic will be looking to improve.
Both of the Hammers goalkeepers, Adrian and Darren Randolph, struggled for form and consistency over the course of the previous season and a stable option between the sticks, like Joe Hart, could go a long way in helping the team come back strongly this year. Also, the England international’s leadership qualities will be an added bonus to the team that looked at a loss of direction at times on the field last season. A move to the capital, with the surety of a No.1 spot will appeal to the City custodian.
Liverpool
A move to Anfield for Hart has been spoken for quite some time now. Manager Jurgen Klopp even came out and dismissed any interest in the Englishman, but the rumours refuse to die down despite that.
Liverpool have Simon Mignolet and Loris Karius as their options in goal and both of them struggled for consistency last season. While Mignolet did put in a series of improved performances towards the business end of the season, the Reds will need a top class keeper in the ranks, especially following their return to the UEFA Champions League for the coming season. Hart, over the years, has been one of the most consistent performers in the Premier League and could turn out to be a shrewd addition.
