Manchester City must sign a particular type of midfielder and two names do standout for the role | OneFootball

Watching Manchester City get run ragged by Real Madrid during their 3-1 defeat at the Bernabeu several things stood out. Carlo Ancelotti’s side had too much pace and athleticism all over the pitch for Pep Guardiola’s side. We know that the world champions are in the midst of a rebuild but you could tell last night what the City squad needs to add. There is a lack of dynamic and athletic players throughout City’s squad. That stands out in midfield. It simply must be addressed this summer and two players immediately come to mind to fill the sizable void in the Manchester City squad.

What City cannot afford to do next season is more of the same. The game has moved on to more athletic and dynamic midfielders. Midfielders who can get around the pitch with ease and offer something both in the final third and without the ball are worth their weight in gold. Real Madrid had that last night and Manchester City didn’t. They did sign Nico in the January transfer window and have Rodri on the comeback trail from injury. They will help in this regard.

But those two players cannot carry the entire midfield burden for Pep Guardiola’s side next season. That move is doomed to fail eventually. We have seen this season what the overreliance on Rodri can lead to. So the lessons from this season must be learned. Manchester City must sign an athletic midfielder to complement Rodri and Nico’s play. For that role, two players immediately come to mind.

Carlos Baleba or Ederson would add the bite Manchester City’s midfield lacks and you’d think they are moves they will consider.

Danny Rust and Dean Jones have reported for GIVEMESPORT that Manchester City are one of several teams interested in signing Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba. Furthermore, the GIVEMESPORT report indicates that Liverpool are also interested in signing Brighton’s midfield powerhouse. Lastly, the GIVEMESPORT report suggests that it may cost over £115 million to sign Baleba from Brighton in the summer.

Another player who has constantly been linked with a potential move to Manchester City is Atalanta midfielder Ederson. Paul Hirst has previously reported for the Times that the Brazilian midfielder is a potential summer target for the world champions.

For me, Manchester City simply have to sign Ederson or Carlos Baleba or that type of player. Pep Guardiola cannot enter next season with the same type of players that he has had at his disposal this season. Time and time again we have seen City overrun in midfield this season. It occurred again last night and is especially prevalent against the better teams in Europe and the Premier League. It’s a hole that has to be filled in Pep Guardiola’s squad. It’s as simple as that.

Carlos Baleba or Ederson would add the bite and energy City’s midfield currently lacks. They’d also enable Rodri and Nico to shine and form a more dynamic midfield for Pep Guardiola to employ. Both players are also technically proficient, so they do fit the profile of midfielder that Manchester City needs. Signing either player would also give City a more modern midfield and allow Pep Guardiola to work his magic with the ability to play a more modern style of football.

Summary

Signing a player like Carlos Baleba or Ederson is a must for Manchester City next summer. Watching Real Madrid’s midfield run all over City’s at the Bernabeu stood out last night. They’d address the issue that stands out with Manchester City’s play and it’s simply an issue that must be addressed. You do sense that it will be as the City hierarchy can’t afford to gloss over it any longer.