Why Alex Telles would be a perfect fit at Manchester City
According to Correio de Manha, via SportWitness (h/t Manchester Evening News), Manchester City are looking to sign Porto left-back Alex Telles.
The 27-year-old Brazilian has been in sensational form this season for the Portuguese outfit, scoring eight goals and assisting five times from 24 league games.
Despite being a left-back, Telles has emerged as his side’s top-scorer in the league. This gives a glimpse of his goal-scoring abilities. Telles has been a regular at Porto since his move from Turkish side Galatasaray in the summer of 2016.
Telles has played over 184 matches for the Portuguese giants, netting in 21 goals and managing a whopping 52 assists, making him one of the key players in the side over the last few years.
Apart from Porto, Telles has played for Galatasaray and also had a loan spell with Serie A outfit Inter Milan, giving an indication of his experience at the top level.
With Telles’ performance improving with time and helping Porto to the top of the league this season, Premier League defending champions Manchester City have expressed an interest in him.
Telles can solve the left-back issue at Manchester City
Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola’s side have had a disappointing campaign in the league so far. They have fallen behind Liverpool by a huge 25 points this season. A weak defence that has conceded 31 goals from 28 matches has been one of the main reasons for the side’s downfall.
Though the centre-back position has been the main problem for City this season, there have been issues in the left-back role also, forcing the club to look for new options in the summer. With Oleksandr Zinchenko rising through the ranks, and Benjamin Mendy returning to fitness after his various injury issues, City chose not to spill the cash last summer in search of a new left-back.
Instead, they re-signed Angelino on a cut-price deal. However, he featured just six times in the league and was loaned out to RB Leipzig in January. However, City’s decision to rely on Zinchenko and Mendy backfired as the pair struggled with injuries this season, making just 12 and 14 appearances in the league respectively.
That said, it is crystal clear that City have issues in their left-back. Hence, it would be a great move if a consistent player like Telles arrives at the Etihad next season. A proven performer, City need not think twice before signing him as he would be a good fit for Guardiola’s side.
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Verdict
Manchester City’s left-back conundrum is clearly evident considering the displays of Zinchenko, Mendy, and Angelino this season. Hence, it would be safe for Guardiola’s side to rope in an established left-back like Telles. Having played in Turkey, Portugal, and Italy, the 27-year-old has garnered plenty of experience. He would add a lot of quality and depth to the ranks at Man City.
