Man City interested in signing 27-year-old Atletico Madrid star – Report | OneFootball

Man City Eye Nahuel Molina Deal For Cut Price Opportunity

Manchester City’s recruitment department rarely sleeps, and the latest reports from TeamTalk suggest Pep Guardiola has identified Atletico Madrid’s Nahuel Molina as a possible January reinforcement.

Opportunity Emerging In Madrid

“Molina has found himself on the fringes at Atletico, and his contract will be down to 18 months come January.” That detail alone hints at movement. Football economics dictate that once a deal enters its final stretch, selling becomes smarter than gambling on renewals. At 27 and with only “one start and two substitute appearances in the Champions League” this season, Molina suddenly looks more like surplus than starter for Diego Simeone.

Proven Pedigree

Few right-backs in world football carry a trophy cabinet like Molina’s. As TeamTalk pointed out, the Argentine “including winning the 2022 World Cup and the 2021 and 2024 Copa America with Argentina” is seen as someone who “ticks many of the boxes they want to fill.” City love versatile full-backs and his record backs it up with “135 times as a right-back and 116 times as a right-midfielder” across his career.

Molina has delivered “seven goals and given 13 assists in 141 matches in all competitions for Atletico.” Those numbers will appeal to Guardiola, who values end product from deep positions. Right back has become a problem position for City with Rico Lewis and Matheus Nunes rotating.

Photo: IMAGO

Smart Recruitment Or Risky Gamble

“Molina is considered the sort of dependable option that could slot into Pep Guardiola’s set-up at Man City.” Dependable maybe, but can a player struggling for minutes in Spain adapt instantly to one of the most demanding tactical systems in football? City typically avoid mid-season gambles, yet this would be low-cost and low-risk.

If the price is truly “attainable” as suggested, this is the type of transfer that wins titles in April but barely registers headlines in January.

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From a City supporter’s perspective, this report makes complete sense. The right-hand side of defence needs something Molina feels like one of those shrewd depth signings City specialise in, someone who arrives quietly and ends up playing 25 games across four competitions without fuss.

His lack of game time at Atletico might worry some, but Guardiola has revived careers before. If Molina buys into the system, he could become a valuable player.

The only caution is stylistic. Atletico play deep and narrow, City play wide and possession-based. That transition can swallow players whole. Still, with his experience and physical profile, it would not take much polishing. If the money makes sense, sign him in January and bed him in ahead of next season. Smart business rather than flashy business, exactly how titles are retained.