Why Jonny Evans would be a smart acquisition for Manchester City
According to a report from Sky Sports, Manchester City are considering signing Jonny Evans or Caglar Soyuncu to solve their defensive crisis.
Jonny Evans, 31, and Caglar Soyuncu, 23, have been superb for Leicester City during an impressive start to the season under Brendan Rodgers that has put them second in the Premier League table after 12 games.
Manchester City wanted to sign Evans from West Brom in 2017 but had a number of bids rejected before he eventually signed for Leicester a year later for just £3.5m.
The Northern Ireland international has made 42 appearances for the Foxes since and has started all 12 of Leicester’s Premier League games this season alongside Soyuncu, who arrived at the King Power Stadium last summer from SC Freiburg.
Pep Guardiola’s City fell nine points behind league leaders Liverpool following the 3-1 defeat at Anfield on Sunday. The Cityzens have now lost three of their opening 12 Premier League games and have seen their season turn sour after the loss of Aymeric Laporte to long-term injury.
Aymeric’s long-term knee injury, former skipper Vincent Kompany’s departure in the summer and John Stones’ injury problems coupled with Nicolas Otamendi’s erratic form shows why City have been struggling to grind out results like we all know they can.
After the defeat to Liverpool, the Spanish tactician should definitely improve his backline in January and must go all out for Jonny Evans.
Evans has been excellent for the Foxes, forging a strong partnership with Soyuncu in the backline which currently boasts of the tightest defensive record in the Premier League.
The 31-year-old has improved Leicester’s squad with his experience and mentality, and such factors will certainly come handy for Guardiola’s side gunning for three consecutive Premier League titles.
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The former Manchester United defender has won plenty of trophies in his career and that should make him an appealing option to City. Plus, Evans is good with the ball at his feet – evident from his 87.2% pass completion rate so far this season. [Courtesy: WhoScored.com]
Verdict
Thus, Guardiola must do everything in his powers to sign Evans in January. However, it remains to be seen whether or not Leicester will sell their experienced defender mid-way through the campaign.
