While much has been made of Alexis Sanchez or Johnny Evans making the move to The Etihad during the January transfer window it is another position that could become Pep Guardiola’s priority.
Benjamin Mendy’s arrival last summer was just as crucial to Pep’s plans as that of Kyle Walker.
Little did Pep know that diving into a clumsy challenge against Crystal Palace in September would effectively end his season.
In stepped Fabian Delph who surprised everybody (including his manager) by becoming a more than useful stop gap. But while everybody was talking about the injury to Gabriel Jesus, the sight of the injury-prone Delph hobbling off at Anfield will have quickly turned City’s attentions to another fullback.
Danilo – a natural right back – can fill in but here is no getting away from the fact he isn’t at the level City need to compete on four fronts.
Many names have been mentioned but the man who could be most suited to City’s side is currently plying his trade north of the border.
Celtic’s Kieran Tierney may only be 20 years of age but has already captained his country and his club as well as having played against some of Europe’s best in the Champions League.
And with Brendan Rodgers charges playing a version of the fast flowing attacking style favoured by Guardiola it makes sense that Tierney would not take long to adapt.
His marauding runs have devastated Scottish defences since he burst onto the scene as a 17-year-old and since then he has also shown a defensive nous above his years.
Tierney has taken everything thrown at him so far in his stride and will be under no illusion that a move to City would be a huge test but one he would surely relish. He could feasibly be one of City’s mainstays for a decade or more with the possibility of a glittering career.
He has of course been linked with an array of Premiership clubs already, not least Manchester United, but given City’s current status, manager and style of play (not to mention good relations with Celtic due to current recent loan agreements) it is difficult to see a better move for both parties.
Tierney will not come cheap but is coming to a stage in his career where he is ready to step up. What better way than to join England’s top side and play for arguably Europe’s greatest coach.
