Why Manchester City should make a move for Mikel Oyarzabal

According to a report from the Guardian, Manchester City are targeting Real Sociedad attacker Mikel Oyarzabal as a replacement for Leroy Sane.

Leroy Sane was close to a move to Bayern Munich in the summer but suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in City’s Community Shield penalty-shootout victory over Liverpool in August.

The Germany international is not expected to be back until the New Year.

What happens with Sane after he attains full fitness remains to be seen but Manchester City are already prepared to reinvest in a replacement. And the Premier League champions want to sign Mikel Oyarzabal, who has four goals and three assists in 10 La Liga games for Real Sociedad this season.

Oyarzabal, 22, who came through the Real Sociedad academy, has impressed with his consistent level of performances in the past two seasons.

He has scored 28 goals over the last seasons and played exceptionally well for champions Spain in this summer’s Under-21 European Championship.

With the Spaniard consistently performing well for Sociedad, City must go all out to sign him.

In Sane’s absence, Riyad Mahrez has stepped up to the plate this season. Even though Pep Guardiola and co. haven’t really felt the German winger’s absence, City will need to replace him if he leaves for Bayern in the summer of 2020.

And Oyarzabal would be the right fit at the Etihad Stadium. The 22-year-old is widely regarded as one of the brightest prospects in the country and has started the new season like a house on fire.

A left-winger by trade, the Spaniard, despite being only 22, is vastly experienced in the La Liga and has earned six caps for his national team as well.

The Eibar-born star’s pace, movement and direct approach along with his technique have troubled even the best of defenders in the La Liga. He has fantastic quality in and around the box and is capable of playing in a central role as well.

However, Oyarzabal is at his lethal best cutting inside from the flank and testing the goalkeeper with powerful shots.

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The Spanish international can also spot a pass in the final third as well as score goals. At his age, he has the potential to be a superstar and could be a revelation under Guardiola. Oyarzabal’s age, quality and versatility could make him the ideal successor for Sane at City.

Verdict

Oyarzabal is contracted at Sociedad until 2024, so City will have to splash a lot of money to tempt the La Liga club into selling their prized asset next summer.