Why This €28m Signing Is Necessary For Manchester City This January

Manchester City should sign Jose Gimenez From Atletico Madrid And Here’s Why

Manchester City are easily one of the most in-form teams, not just in the Premier League, but also in Europe this season. They are the favourites to lift the domestic league title and could go a long way in the European competition as well.

Pep Guardiola, however, does not seem to be totally convinced with the options he has at his disposal and is still looking for players, who can improve his squad in the near future. One such player, who has been linked with a move to the Etihad is Atletico Madrid defender Jose Gimenez.

Also wanted by Inter Milan and Juventus, the 22-year old is currently struggling for first-team game-time under Diego Simeone and was linked with an exit even in the summer. He moved to the Spanish league back in 2013 as a teenager but has only made 69 appearances so far in the La Liga.

He has played just eight games in all competitions this season and Manchester City are reportedly ready to offer him a way out, giving him a chance to turn into the first choice under Pep Guardiola at the Etihad.

The 37 times capped Uruguayan international is way too experienced beyond his age and deserves to start on a regular basis for top clubs in Europe. A strong and athletic defender, who loves to have the ball at his feet, the €28m rated Gimenez is impossible to beat in the air too.

He is capable of shifting into a no-nonsense mode but is effective when his team needs to play out from the back, a quality that usually attracts Guardiola. He puts in some sensational tackles, thanks to his understanding of the game and is rarely seen switched off in games. He is a bit reckless, but at his age, he will learn not to cross the line.

At the Etihad, Guardiola has the likes of John Stones and Nicolas Otamendi starting most games this season. Skipper Vincent Kompany is easily their best defender but the injury history of the Belgian is putting off Guardiola. Kompany has failed to keep himself fit this season, leaving Eliaquim Mangala as the only other option at the back.

So it is quite clear that Guardiola needs another defender and with not many of them being better than Gimenez, the Uruguayan could be a safe bet for the Citizens. The likes of Virgil van Dijk and Toby Alderweireld have been linked with the club recently but at just 22, Gimenez is a long-term option who’d be perfect for Pep.