After witnessing Manchester City lose 4-3 to Al-Hilal in the Round of 16 of the FIFA Club World Cup, the result would have been a wake-up call to the fans that their side is not back to its absolute best yet.
While Pep Lijnders is incorporating his tactics at Manchester City, which includes his 4-2-4 pressing shape, it will take time for the players to adjust to his methods. Furthermore, Pep Guardiola has a habit of tweaking his tactical setup every season and considering it has been just over a month since the end of last season, the players will be adapting to his potential new demands.
As far as potential new signings are concerned to further rebuild their current roster, Tino Livramento is on Manchester City’s radar but Newcastle United have no intention to let him go.
Fabrizio Romano has reported that Denzel Dumfries has a £21.5 million release clause that will only be active until mid-July.
Manchester City fans believe the Inter Milan defender would be the perfect signing as the club are eyeing a brand-new right-back.
Man City fans keen on signing Denzel Dumfries from Inter Milan
One Manchester City fan claimed that while he is unsure whether Dumfries is a top-class defender, he would like the Dutchman to be signed purely due to the player’s threat further up the pitch: “Not sure he’s brilliant defensively but as an attacking RB [right-back], he’s right up there with best there is.”
A second supporter claimed that the former PSV Eindhoven wing-back would be a low-risk and potentially high-reward addition at the Etihad Stadium: “He’s low risk for that price and high reward if he plays to level for us as he des for Inter.”
A third Manchester City fan claimed that for 21.5 million, Dumfries would be a cost-effective yet high-quality signing, writing: “Just seen Dumfries has a €25m release clause…I’d be all over that if I was City. He’s a fantastic right back!”
A fourth City supporter explained his rationale for bringing in the Serie A winner by simply writing: “Yes, of course. Ridiculous player and probably the most physically imposing full-back in the world.”
Another fan claimed that due to the 29-year-old being at his pomp and helping the Sky Blues improve their physicality as a side, his signing would be a no-brainer: “No-brainer. Inter is on the decline and he’s in his prime and great physically which is something we seem to be lacking.”
Finally, a sixth Manchester City fan believes that even if Dumfries would be an excellent stop-gap solution, even if he proves not to be the real deal by replying to another supporter: “Without question. It’s a shallow market at RB [right-back]. He brings the qualities we need from that position. That fee means we can go for another in that position in 12-24 months as the long term solution.”
Only time will tell whether Pep Guardiola’s side listen to the fans and make a move for the seasoned defender.
Denzel Dumfries stats compared to Tino Livramento
Manchester City fans have a reason to be all over the potential addition of Dumfries, especially when comparing his stats to those of Livramento last season.
The Inter Milan fan favourite registered 11 goals and six assists last season while the Magpies right-back provided a single assist in all competitions.
However, with City hugely interested in signing Livramento, perhaps he remains their first choice.
