The timing of the signing of Aymeric Laporte by Manchester City should come as no real surprise to those inside football and is a shining of example of how City view their transfer business.
When Sheikh Mansour bought the club in 2008 it was about establishing themselves. Vast expenditure was outlaid as the likes of Robinho, then Tevez and Yaya Toure arrived. It was necessary.
Now, sitting pretty at the top of the league with Pep Guardiola at the helm it is City who holds the cards. Alexis Sanchez was not viable for a number of reasons. His age alone goes against City’s recent policy for buying for the future, not to mention the excessive wage demands that could easily have divided a dressing room that is currently as tight as it can get in team sports.
He joined United because they offered him what he wanted and it is a step up from Arsenal. That’s just how it is. If City had matched United’s offer he would have joined City. All water under the bridge now as City’s response is to revert to type almost immediately.
In contrast to Sanchez, Laporte is exactly the type of transfer City look for. Under 25-years-old, not quite a superstar, but with the potential to be one with the right coaching. And City certainly have that in place.
Like Leroy Sane, Bernardo Silva, Ederson and Raheem Sterling before him, Laporte has shown his quality and that is ready to be developed by Guardiola.
Two years ago John Stones joined instead of the Frenchman and Laporte unfortunately went on to suffer a serious injury. He has returned stronger and wiser and following a good first half to the season with Bilbao now looks ready to join City.
A deal for Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Fred is also likely to be agreed regardless of whether he joins the club now or in the summer.
Nobody wants to do their business in World Cup year so City will want as much of it as possible done beforehand.
City now have their blueprint in place and whilst it bears fruit that is unlikely to change for anybody. Even somebody as good as Sanchez.
