One of Manchester City’s biggest problems over the next couple of years will be to find a successful replacement for Yaya Toure. Some would say that he’s already on the wane and, at 31, City will be fortunate to get two more good years out of him.
And, for all their buying power, finding a successor will not be an easy task. Because Toure could just be the best player that Manchester City have ever bought.
Sergio Aguero is an unbelievable striker but Toure has even more influence and his position, in the centre of midfield, is a crucial one.
Liverpool are struggling to replace Steven Gerrard, who at 34 is still their main man. And Manchester United suffered a serious dip when Giggs and Scholes finally departed the playing scene for good.
Whatever his detractors say about him, Toure will leave a similarly sized hole to fill when he scarpers.
The Sun reckons that Toure’s replacement has been identified:
MANCHESTER CITY have identified Paul Pogba as the long-term replacement for Yaya Toure, 31.
The former Manchester United midfielder appears to have moved top of City’s wish list after they baulked at Everton’s £50million price tag for rising star Ross Barkley.
We would take Barkley, given the choice. But Pogba is a top quality player who is quick, technically brilliant and loves to get forward.
Like Barkley, he won’t come cheap and may occupy Manchester City’s entire summer budget, in light of the new FairPlay rules.
In other news Samir Nasri has implied that he’s prepared to leave the club if things don;t go well. The Daily Mail reports:
Samir Nasri vows to leave Manchester City if Manuel Pellegrini decides his time is up
‘I do not know if I will leave the club. If they come to me and they tell me to pack my bags, I will leave.’
Nasri only signed a new deal in June and, after a slow start at the club, he has played some of his best football for Manchester City over the last year.
Manchester City fans: keep Nasri or try something new?
