The contract of Manchester City’s right-back Pablo Zabaleta expires at the end of the season, and it has emerged that the club won’t be handing the 31-year-old an extension.
After arriving in England and making quality additions to his squad, Pep Guardiola couldn’t secure full-backs in the summer transfer window and hasn’t been utterly convinced with the performances of the ageing Argentine.
Hence, with an imminent end coming to Zabaleta’s Manchester City’s 9-season career, a look is taken at 3 quality right-back options Pep Guardiola could sign come next summer.
Bellerin
This is a very hard deal to secure, but Guardiola isn’t one to back out of difficult situations, and having failed to properly go after the youngster in the summer, it’s very much expected he would try again.
The 21-year-old signed a 7-year contract extension last month, rejecting an opportunity to earn more wages and link up with Guardiola at the Etihad, but in case Arsenal fails to land a silverware this term, and City do, you can expect him to be tempted to leave for greener pastures.
He is arguably EPL’s best right back, and it is why the erstwhile Bayern Munich manager has his eyes fixed on him. Bellerin has 2 assists thus far and has created 9 other key passes.
He can be a long-term option for his fellow Spaniard, and if the manager turns out successful in his first season, that could convince Hector to switch allegiance.
Cancelo
The Portuguese full-back has recently shot into limelight, with his performances earning him a national team call-up, while Barcelona are keeping a close tab on his progress at Valencia.
If there is a big reason why Cancelo would fit perfectly into Pep Guardiola’s plans at the Etihad, it’s because of his versatility to play anywhere on the right flank.
From right-back, right wing-back, right midfield to right forward, the 22-year-old is able to function very effectively in the positions.
And while his defensive contribution is the strongest quality he possesses, his ability to intercept balls, complete dribbles and play through balls are just as impressive enough.
Cancelo has created 12 chances in the La Liga this term, recorded 57% shot on target, won 32 tackles, made 36 interceptions, 17 clearances and 2 blocks.
The only hurdle Pep will have to scale is convince the defender to turn deaf ears to Barcelona’s advances for a Manchester City deal in case he wishes to land the promising youngster.
Dani Alves
At 33, the Brazilian is far from a long-term option, but he has proven that he still got his game since leaving Camp Nou for Turin.
Alves has always hinted at an EPL move before drawing the curtain on his illustrious and trophy-laden European club career, and a final stop at the Etihad before heading back home could be perfect for both club and player.
Guardiola was the one who sanctioned his sales from Sevilla upon arriving Barcelona’s dugout and can do the same again.
The full cum wing-back has been most impressive in the Champions League where he created the most chances (14) of any defender in the group stages.
In 8 Serie A appearances, Alves has a goal, has created 15 chances, won 11 tackles, made 18 interceptions, and 8 clearances.
A reunion between these 2 could yet yield some trophies again.