Why Raphael Varane can make Manchester City a stronger outfit
According to transfer expert Ian McGarry via Transfer Window podcast (h/t Daily Express), Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is in pursuit of Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane.
The report also claims that the Frenchman is Guardiola’s primary target for the centre-back role following his side’s inconsistent displays this season.
City’s failure to bring in an established defender to replace departed skipper Vincent Kompany saw them fall behind rivals Liverpool, who went on to emerge as champions this season.
Meanwhile, Varane recently won his third La Liga title with Real Madrid after joining them nine years ago as a teenager. The 27-year-old centre-back has matured into one of the best defenders in Europe following his move from French side Lens back in 2011.
Apart from the three La Liga titles, Varane has won four Champions League trophies with the Spanish giants and is also a World Cup winner (2018) with his country France. To date, he has made a whopping 318 appearances for Real Madrid and has 15 goals and 7 assists to his name. He is also a regular with his national side and has featured 64 times for them so far.
Varane can solve the defensive woes at Manchester City
City have struggled defensively throughout this season, not just due to the departure of Kompany but also owing to the injury to main man Aymeric Laporte. The French defender had missed a major share of this season, which saw Guardiola having to rely on versatile midfielder Fernandinho to take over the centre-back responsibilities.
The poor form of veteran centre-back Nicolas Otamendi and John Stones has also been a concern for City, who have conceded 35 goals from 36 league games so far.
Apart from Laporte, Otamendi and Stones, City lack an established defender in their ranks, with the other two being youngsters Eric Garcia and Taylor Harwood-Bellis. Both Garcia and Harwood-Bellis have a lot more to learn, though Garcia has started to show signs of potential after featuring in some of City’s recent games.
However, if City wish to topple Liverpool and come back to the top, they need a consistent defender like Varane. The Frenchman’s move to Etihad could be an answer to their defensive woes and could help Guardiola strengthen his side at the back ahead of next season.
Read more
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Verdict
Though Manchester City have enough defenders in their side, none has been consistent and this has seen them lose their title to Liverpool this season. That said, roping in a world-class defender like Varane will make them a force to reckon with again. Hence, they should quickly sign the Frenchman, as he could prove to be an excellent replacement for former skipper Kompany.
