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Manchester City signings that could puts them in a constant dominating position among Europe’s elite sides

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Manchester City signings that could puts them in a dominating position among Europe's elite sides
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Manchester City signings that could puts them in a constant dominating position among Europe’s elite sides

Manchester City could complete another signing in summer transfer window with arrival of RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol

Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City is well at the top of Europe.
A Champions League trophy rests in the Etihad cupboard alongside Premier League and FA Cup silverware following a historic season which culminated in the club’s treble claiming. The team has the world’s best centre-forward in Erling Haaland, while the talents of the likes of Jack Grealish, supreme midfielder Kevin De Bruyne and the always solid Ruben Dias have formed a backbone that all City’s rivals envy.

Yet despite him already having such an impressive squad, Guardiola intends to continue through the summer transfer window. Mateo Kovacic has arrived to replace departed captain Ilkay Gundogan following his move to Barcelona, ​​but City’s next signing is sure to be the statement of the summer. RB Leipzig sporting director Max Eberl confirmed over the weekend that the club are in negotiations over Croatian centre-back Josko Gvardiol. “Gvardiol and his advisors have expressed our wish to move to Manchester City,” Eberl said. “We are in talks with City. Yes, for €100m (£86m) plus bonuses, Gvardiol will find himself in Pep’s strong hands. The value of the deal would make Gvardiol the most expensive defender in history, but it could take a few more days.”

The move would mean a world record transfer fee for a defender, eclipsing the £80m rivals Manchester United paid Leicester City for Harry Maguire in 2019. That in itself is a big statement from City, but considering he’s probably the best defender on the market this summer and the 21-year-old is destined to be among the best in the world in that role, it makes the case even more impressive in the next decade or so.

Gvardiol has been described as a ‘Rolls-Royce of defenders’ – and is yet to reach his performance level. It’s clear he’s already among the best in his position after being named in the Team of the Tournament for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and Gvardiol seems to have felt at home in the category for some time.
He kept Haaland calm in City’s Champions League first leg in the Round of 16 before heading to equalize for his side in what was by no means an easy feat. The defender has a lot of experience – a place in the World Cup semi-finals and a third place, as well as a place in the Champions League, which ended against City, will certainly come in handy. His national coach, Zlatko Dalic, has already described him as “the best centre-back in the world”. He added: “It’s great to play in this mature way. The way he plays, how elegantly he carries the ball.”

Players with such a pedigree don’t just end up in one club. Gvardiol has previously been linked with Chelsea and Real Madrid, sides who have won the Champions League on several occasions.
His imminent arrival at the Etihad shows that Pep is ready to go again.

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Mason Mount handed over his iconic Manchester United shirt number upon completion of the transfer

Manchester United completed the signing of England international Mason Mount from Chelsea on Wednesday.
Manchester United have announced that Mason Mount will wear the iconic number 7 shirt at Old Trafford.

The Reds revealed Mount as their first signing of the summer transfer window on Wednesday morning, less than a week after agreeing a £60m deal with Chelsea to sign him. The England international has signed a first five-year deal in the M16.

The England international, identified a few weeks ago as Erik ten Hag’s first target to strengthen the Reds’ midfield options, is expected to move straight into United’s stronger midfield. He is widely expected to join forces with Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro in the engine room.

The 24-year-old Mount was handed the number 7 shirt at United. The iconic shirt number, most recently worn by Cristiano Ronaldo, was originally meant to be taken from Alejandro Garnacho.

The United No.7 shirt is one of the most prestigious and iconic in world football. It has been worn by a number of major stars in the past, including George Best, David Beckham and Ronaldo, as well as many others. Speaking on his move to United, Mount said: “Leaving the club you grew up with is never easy, but Manchester United will provide an exciting new challenge for the next phase of my career. Having competed against them, I know how strong the team I’m joining is and I can’t wait to be part of this group’s quest to win big trophies.

“Everyone can see that the club have made great progress under Erik ten Hag. Having met the manager and discussed his plans, I’m excited for the seasons ahead and ready for the hard work ahead of me here.

“I am extremely ambitious; I know how great it is to win big trophies and what it takes.” I will give anything to relive that at Manchester United.

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Manchester United transfer news: Mason Mount offer accepted, latest David De Gea and Andre Onana

Manchester United will be hoping to build on manager Erik ten Hag’s impressive first season, which saw them finish third in the Premier League and win their first silver title since 2017 after a Carabao Cup triumph.
The Red Devils also reached the FA Cup final but were beaten by local rivals Manchester City, who equaled United’s record from 1998/99 by winning the treble.

Ten Hag will now aim to rebuild this summer to better challenge for the league title and build a team worthy of competing in the Champions League.
Here is the latest news and updates on all transfers to and from Old Trafford:

mason mount

Manchester United have reached an agreement with Chelsea to sign Maslon Mount in a deal worth £60million, according to The Athletic. The Red Devils had made Mount their primary target after three offers (up to £55million) were rejected last week. The club weren’t expected to top their third offer but a deal was brokered for an initial fee of £55m plus £5m in tough surcharges. Mount has been cleared to undergo a medical and set personal terms, with clubs ready to finalize the paperwork in due course. He will sign a contract at Old Trafford until 2028 with an option for a further year.

Goncalo Ramos

Erik ten Hag also attaches great importance to signing a centre-forward in this window. This position is rumored to be Benfica star Goncalo Ramos. Local Portuguese outlet Correio da Manha says Benfica president Rui Costa believes United are willing to abide by Ramos’ release clause but face competition from Paris Saint-Germain for his signing. Costa has reportedly already rejected an offer of €50m plus €10m in add-ons from an unnamed club for Ramos, although it is unlikely to be United. Benfica want a minimum of €80m for the 22-year-old and his release clause would be close to €100m.

David of Gaea

Number 1 goalkeeper David De Gea is out of contract on Saturday and is on United’s vacated list as talks continue over a new deal. It is clear the Spaniard and United are weighing their options with a steep pay cut expected if the 32-year-old remains at Old Trafford. Erik ten Hag has publicly backed De Gea but says he can’t guarantee he will be No.1 next season even if he stays at the club.

André Onana

With a deal still pending for De Gea, Manchester United are likely to dive into the transfer market in search of their first-choice goalkeeper for the season opener. According to Gianluca Di Marzio, that man could be Inter’s Andre Onana, with United set to make their first official offer in the coming days. The Serie A club are reportedly ready to accept a £50m offer for the Cameroon international, who he signed from Ajax last summer.

Mason Greenwood

Greenwood has not played or coached for Manchester United since January 22, 2022 amid allegations of attempted rape, controlling and coercive behavior and assault. Greater Manchester Police announced on February 2, 2023 that Greenwood “awaits no further criminal prosecution” and that Crown prosecutors have dropped all charges against him. Since then, United have implemented their own process to determine “the next steps” for the 21-year-old’s future. They have spent five months debating how to proceed without minimal backlash and, according to the Manchester Evening News, they hope to agree a result before the start of next season. Greenwood is under contract at United until 2025 and the club are considering loaning him out this summer, while Erik ten Hag is opposed to the sale of the striker, who he believes could be a useful addition as a ‘attacker. Greenwood was recently pictured during individual training, suggesting a return to football.

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Man United fans are loving Alejandro Garnacho’s lively challenge during Argentina vs Indonesia

Alejandro Garnacho has been praised by Manchester United fans after he showed his fiery side during Argentina’s friendly match against Indonesia.

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On Monday afternoon, the 18-year-old was subbed on in the 60th minute by Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni.

At that stage, the world champions were already leading by 2-0 thanks to goals from Leandro Paredes and Cristian Romero.

During his 30-minute cameo, Garnacho received praise from United fans after showing his feisty side towards the end of the match.

As the match ticked towards the 90th minute, the winger was tackled by an Indonesian defender but he got up straight away and got his own back on his opponent.

Although his challenge was slightly late, it received a lot of attention from the Old Trafford faithful on social media.

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One said: “A moment that will last for a lifetime, Asnawi vs Garnacho.”

Since breaking through to United’s first team in 2022, Garnacho is one of the most highly-rated players in the Premier League.

Thanks to his impressive performances with United, Garnacho has now made his debut for Argentina.

Speaking about the youngster, goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez described Garnacho as a little treasure.

He told TyC Sports: “He is a very humble guy. He came to work; he didn’t talk a lot. He is very eager to play.

“The truth is that he’s a little treasure and I hope we can mould him so that he gives us as much as Angel Di Maria.”

Garnacho was also rewarded with a new long-term contract by United during the 22/23 season

After signing his new deal, he said: “I feel very proud and emotional to have experienced these moments already, together with my family who have supported me every step of the way.

Video from PAULLO FUT

“The manager and his coaching staff have helped me to improve in every way, and with their support, I am developing each day to help the team to be successful. I am relishing the future and can’t wait to create more special memories with this group, in front of our amazing supporters.”

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‘Exempted’ – Man United fans name who they want to give number 7 shirt to after Mason Mount message

 

Manchester United confirmed on Wednesday that they have signed Mason Mount from Chelsea

Manchester United fans have taken to social media to express their displeasure at Mason Mount being handed the iconic number 7 shirt ahead of Alejandro Garnacho.

After being pictured twice at Carrington earlier this week, it’s no surprise Mount was officially announced as a Reds player on Wednesday. After signing a five-year deal, the 24-year-old said: “Leaving the club you grew up with is never easy, but Manchester United will provide an exciting new challenge for the next phase of my career.”

“After playing them I know how strong the team I’m about to join is and I can’t wait to be part of this group’s quest to win big trophies.” Everyone sees that the club has made great strides under Erik ten Hag. Now that I have met the manager and discussed his plans, I can no longer look forward to the next few seasons and I am ready for the hard work ahead of us here.”

However, the surprise was that Mount was given the number 7 shirt worn by club legends including David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo. Garnacho was supposed to get the number in a vote of confidence from Ten Hag.

Instead, Mount has taken over both the number and the print that accompany the shirt. This surprising news was not well received by United fans, who were eager for the youngster to be upgraded. On Twitter, the fan base made their feelings clear.

double D; said
Shame on @ManUtd what an absolute joke, #Garnacho would get the 7!!!! #laugh

@BilboRocky;  said

I just heard we have number 7 for Mount. It is what it is. Personally, I think that jersey should be earned. If someone was better suited to wear it in time, I would have expected it to go to Garnacho. That would have been great motivation to keep him hungry and motivated.

Durden; said
It was meant for garnacho

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Man City set to overtake Liverpool and Manchester United in transfer race to solve midfield problem

Manchester City should consider bringing back a familiar face to replace Ilkay Gundogan after losing to Declan Rice.
At the moment, there don’t seem to be many obvious midfield targets for Manchester City.

Following Ilkay Gündogan’s departure, City moved quickly to sign at least one more player. Mateo Kovacic may not be seen as a direct replacement by the club, but he has taken the number 8 and is in equally dynamic and stylish form as the former captain. With Rodri, Kevin De Bruyne, Phil Foden, Julian Alvarez, Bernardo Silva (for now), John Stones, Kalvin Phillips, Rico Lewis, Cole Palmer, James McAtee and probably Jack Grealish as well, all capable of playing a variety of midfield. Pep Guardiola still has plenty of options in the crucial area, but the club was keen to strengthen further. A huge £95m offer was made for West Ham talisman Declan Rice, but when Arsenal increased their offer to £105m in response, City fell out of the running.

He has been quiet in midfield ever since. Only acclaimed Celta Vigo playmaker Gabri Veiga has been linked but the youngster appears to be playing more of an attacking role than the action-packed, box-to-box, ball-winning and rhythm-defining job that has seen Gundogan descend to perfection did.

Instead, the Blues have turned their attention elsewhere. Centre-back Josko Gvardiol is now the primary target as the club seek to complete a deal. MEN Sport understand that RB Leipzig want £85million for the Croatian colossus plus additional performance-related payments. Although City are not yet ready to respond to this assessment despite advanced talks, all parties still believe a deal can be reached.

Guardiola would like another highly skilled defender as Aymeric Laporte and Joao Cancelo are both set to leave this summer, while Kyle Walker’s future also remains uncertain. The manager favored a centre-back at the end of the season so further recruitment in this area makes sense – although another full-back is likely to be on the cards if Walker and Cancelo leave.

But midfield shouldn’t be forgotten about completely. Yes, City have often made a mockery of anyone saying “they absolutely have to sign a player in this position” for years with their stubborn refusal to bring in a proper left-back but the move for Rice itself shows there is a feeling further recruitment is required.

City would have needed to bring in fresh blood for the middle of the park even if Gundogan had remained given the ageing profile of the midfield. De Bruyne is now 32 and Rodri at 26 is the youngest regular midfielder in the squad. 29-year-old Kovacic doesn’t solve that problem.

But with Jude Bellingham and Alexis Mac Allister snapped up and Rice all but certainly heading for the Emirates, there aren’t many stand-out candidates. City would be more than happy to wait a year rather than spend money for the sake of it but there is one intriguing option they could consider. And it’s a familiar face.

Romeo Lavia left the Etihad for Southampton last summer after starring for the EDS and he made the step up to Premier League football with ease. The Saints struggled themselves and ultimately finished bottom but he was comfortably their best player.

Southampton actually started the season brightly and defeated Chelsea in their fifth game, with Lavia scoring a screamer, but he also picked up a hamstring injury in the match that ruled him out for two months. By the time he returned to action the wheels had fallen off and there was little he could do to pull his side out of their nosedive.

But Lavia still enjoyed a positive season personally and is now being linked with a big-money move just a year on. Southampton have stuck a £50million asking price on the Belgian and Liverpool appear to be the frontrunners at present, though Chelsea are also in the race while Manchester United are monitoring him as well.

That’s some heavy hitters in the hunt for Lavia but City could hold an advantage over all of them. It’s not clear if it will come into effect this summer or next but it’s understood a £40million buy-back clause was inserted into his contract when he was sold to Southampton. If it is active this year, then the Blues have the chance to undercut their rivals to sign him.

And even if it isn’t, an extra £10million or so would hardly break the bank. They also have the opportunity to match any bid made for the player. City are unlikely to find any other suitable options for such a decent price – Brighton want £80million for Moises Caicedo, for example – and in Lavia they would be getting a player already familiar with Guardiola’s demands.

The Blues boss remains a big fan of the 19-year-old and was impressed by his two senior appearances but he was allowed to leave in order to get more opportunities to further his development. Guardiola said last season: “I am really impressed with what Romeo has done and is doing. We had, and we have, an incredible opinion about him. We thought to keep him, but maybe he would not (get) enough minutes like he has in Southampton.”

Lavia took the brave decision to leave the safety net of City and proved he is a good Premier League player with plenty of room to get even better still. And to make it even sweeter, a move would stop any rivals getting their hands on him.

With midfield no longer the biggest priority, a cut-price move for a promising youngster who already knows the club would tick a lot of boxes.

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