Sergio Gomez may now be sweating over his chances of playing time at Manchester City after a rumour emerged from the Etihad Stadium.
The Spaniard has only just started to make an impact at left-back after a difficult debut campaign, following his £11m move from Anderlecht in August 2022.
So, why might Sergio Gomez be worried? Let’s take a look…
What’s the story?
Well, the 23-year-old has impressed at left-back so far this season when given an opportunity by Pep Guardiola.
Gomez registered an assist for Erling Haaland from that position in the 5-1 win against Fulham, and then shone once again as Manchester City defeated Red Star Belgrade by a 3-1 scoreline in the UEFA Champions League.
Now – however – competition is arriving in the form of Valentin Barco.
Martin Liberman – a respected journalist in South America – has claimed that the Boca Juniors prodigy will be joining Manchester City in January, and Guardiola has even placed him on a detailed fitness plan ahead of his arrival.
The 19-year-old Barco can also operate in central midfield, like Gomez, so the pair are very similar players who boast strong technical skills.
If this rumour is true, then it would add even more competition to the areas Gomez can operate in, which is far from ideal given the fact he is already competing against Josko Gvardiol.
Position change for Sergio Gomez at Manchester City?
Barco’s arrival could also have a different consequence on the future of Gomez at Manchester City.
The Manchester City No.21 actually won the Golden Boot award at the Under-21 European Championship over the summer while playing as a left-sided attacker.
Gomez scored three goals in five appearances – while also providing two assists.
Guardiola was surely impressed by that achievement, so the move for Barco could also hint at Gomez being played further forward on a more regular basis, rather than being shoved through the exit door.
