Manchester City must have had a list of several transfer targets before eventually signing the fresh faces they have this summer.
The best example is that of Florian Wirtz, who joined Liverpool over Manchester City before the Sky Blues promptly wrapped up a deal to sign Rayan Cherki.
Similarly, Manchester City looked at Fulham’s Antonee Robinson as well but eventually preferred to make a move for Rayan Ait-Nouri.
Even Gianluigi Donnarumma was linked with Pep Guardiola’s side but James Trafford is now set to vie for City’s number one status with Ederson.
Man City were interested in signing Carlos Baleba from Brighton
All in all, Manchester City fans would have every right to feel content about the summer transfer window that the club have had.
Trafford, Cherki, Ait-Nouri, Tijjani Reijnders, Sverre Nypan and Marcus Bettinelli are all brilliant signings for the present and the future of this City side.
Interestingly, journalist Dean Jones revealed on the Transfers from Paradise podcast via Patreon that Manchester City sent scouts to watch Carlos Baleba in action, who talkSPORT claimed Brighton & Hove Albion value at £100 million.
Jones also stated that while Baleba is not up for sale this summer, suitors like City could sign him next year: “I don’t think he’s gettable right now, in one years’ time he will be and he will join a top four club, that’s how highly he will be regarded. Man City were interested in him and were getting scouts to watch him and keep an eye on it, Tottenham have had a look at it, but it would be too expensive for them.”
Carlos Baleba has already named Man City star as his idol
The Cameroonian international is one of the best midfielders in the Premier League, renowned for his silky dribbling, excellent passing range and high defensive acumen.
Despite just being 21, the former Lille wonderkid has made it a habit to bully opposition midfields, dominating the City side that lost 2-1 at the Amex Stadium.
If the youngster ever made a move to Manchester City, he would have a chance to hone his craft by learning from Rodri, a player Baleba admitted he studies, saying: “Attack, defend, box-to-box midfielder.”
“I don’t think so (in terms of the two being comparable). Even so, Rodri is the best player in the world at the moment! He’s won the Ballon d’Or and I’m still learning from him – I’m like a schoolkid compared to him. I just learn from him and other players.”
Baleba also revealed that Kevin De Bruyne is one of his idols.
“My game’s inspired by a lot of people who I’ve admired since I was a kid. Kevin De Bruyne, Paul Pogba, Thiago Alcantara, Xavi, Andres Iniesta – so many others. So, I’ve got the knack of doing something with the ball at my feet, I’m still working on that.”
However, only time will tell whether Manchester City reignite their interest in Baleba’s signature.
