Matheus Nunes assesses Manchester City stay after January transfer talk | OneFootball

Manchester City star Matheus Nunes has reflected on his first two-and-a-half seasons at the Etihad Stadium after reaching the 100 appearance milestone for the club.

The 27-year-old is enjoying his best season under Pep Guardiola as he continues to operate as City’s first-choice option at right-back, despite being a natural midfielder, 30 months on from moving to Manchester from Wolves for £53 million.

In February 2022, Nunes was hailed as one of the best players in the world when Manchester City beat Sporting Lisbon – Nunes’ club at time – in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 – with the Blues signing the Portugal international from Wolves a year later.

However, despite starring in attack alongside Phil Foden and Erling Haaland in a Premier League winning debut campaign at the Etihad Stadium, Nunes has largely operated at right-back for the eight-time Premier League champions in recent seasons.

City are vying for silverware on four fronts in the coming months and their title hopes took another dent after Tottenham came from behind to salvage a point against Guardiola’s side in north London on Sunday evening.

Nunes missed City’s recent losses against Manchester United and Bodo/Glimt with the flu but has been fundamental to the defence this season, having made 29 appearances in all competitions for the Blues this term.

In recent comversation with Sky Sports, Nunes reflected on reaching 100 appearances for the club and his time at Manchester City so far: “It’s been amazing, it’s been a pleasure,” the Portuguese said.

“Just being very happy to play for this club, play for these fans, playing for all the staff, these amazing teammates that I have.

“Man City is an incredible club, and everyone that comes here just falls in love with the club. I’m no different and hopefully – I can continue up to 200 (appearances).”

Nunes’ brilliant at right-back has kept Rico Lewis on the sidelines for a large part of this season, with the former in line to start for Portugal at this summer’s FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

City have signed Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guehi in January, selling Oscar Bobb to Fulham for £27 million and sanctioning an initial free transfer for Stefan Ortega Moreno to Nottingham Forest, which could reach £500,000 in value.

The Blues were understood to be scouting the transfer market for a new right-back heading into the January window, but Nunes’ excellent displays in the position has alleviated concerns among club officials over the need to bring in a like-for-like replacement for the departed Kyle Walker.