According to a report from Leicestershire Live, Manchester City have been dealt a huge blow in their hopes of signing James Maddison of Leicester City. It is understood that the rule-breaking allegations on the club which are related to financial matters put them in an awry situation which could impact their transfer activity this summer.
Pep Guardiola Head Coach of Manchester City
Maddison’s Impressive Campaign For Leicester City Last Season
James Maddison is enjoying a solid campaign for the Foxes as he has produced some impressive displays in the attacking third of the field. He has banged in nine goals and created five assists over 18 appearances in the first half of this season.
The 26-year-old has established himself as a key player in the final third after averaging 2.8 shots, 2.2 key passes and 0.8 dribbles per game in the Premier League. He has been tidy with his ball distribution after completing 82.5% of his attempted passes in the English top flight (stats vai whoscored).
Etihad Stadium
It is known that the English forward’s contract at King Power Stadium expires in the summer of 2024, so it could be the perfect window for the Mancunian giants to bring him aboard on a cut-price deal this summer.
What Should The Manchester City Boss Do?
Maddison has the ability to make some dangerous runs down the right- flank using his pace and excellent ball control. He remains an adept finisher inside the penalty box and can create some meaningful opportunities by setting up his teammates in front of the goal.
The English forward is primarily a right-winger but remains versatile to feature anywhere on the right side of the final third. Furthermore, he likes playing behind the strikers and comes short to create space for his teammates making a few decisive passes to set them up with clear-cut goal-scoring chances.
Maddison is certainly an attacking threat as he can strike the ball with power and accuracy from a distance. Thus, he would prove to be a brilliant addition to the attacking department at the Etihad Stadium.
However, if the allegations are proven then Man City might even be demoted from the Premier League or points might be deducted which impacts their transfer activity as joining the Sky Blues becomes less attractive. Pep Guardiola can only patiently wait for the allegations to be removed sooner than later in order to bring in necessary reinforcements at the end of this season.
Pep Guardiola has new Man City undroppable after Aston Villa and Arsenal wins
Ruben Dias impressed as City beat Arsenal on Wednesday night
This season has been one of defensive inconsistencies for Manchester City as Pep Guardiola searches for a settled formula.
In the six weeks of 2023 alone there’s been several changes at the back. From Rico Lewis coming into the side and keeping Kyle Walker and Joao Cancelo out of the team, to the latter’s surprise departure for Bayern Munich last month.
Pep Guardiola provides instructions to his Manchester City team during Arsenal victory (Image: IAN KINGTON/IKIMAGES/AFP via Getty Images)
We’ve seen Nathan Ake go from left back to a central position and the recent use of a back three with Bernardo Silva dropping in to fill the full back role when City are out of possession. But, against Arsenal on Wendesday night as City forged ahead in the title race, one man showed why he should be the first defender on the team-sheet.
Ruben Dias has had to be patient in recent weeks following his hamstring injury and his start against Aston Villa last weekend was his first since the victory over Brighton and Hove Albion in October. The Portugal international slotted back in as if he’d never been away during the win over Unai Emery’s side.
And against the Gunners he took his game to new heights. Alongside his trusted companion Aymeric Laporte, Dias enjoyed a commanding night. He kept Eddie Nketiah quiet and his reading of the game was second to none while he instils a confidence in his team-mates and will surely keep his place for the foreseeable.
Dias was the Premier League’s player of the season in 2021 and given his enforced absence, it’s easy to forget just how good a player the 25-year-old is. But he gave a clear reminder at the Emirates and while he might not have the starting certainty of Ederson or Erling Haaland, he’s staked a claim to be a fixture between now and May.
Source: the4thofficial.net; manchestereveningnews.co.uk
