Manchester City are reportedly pursuing another centre back this summer.
Manchester City may have won the Premier League title at a canter, but manager Pep Guardiola will still be keen to land new signings to boost his squad.
Despite landing Aymeric Laporte in a club-record deal from Athletic Bilbao in January, and also having the likes of Vincent Kompany, Nicolas Otamendi and John Stones at his disposal, another centre back is being linked.
The Telegraph report that City want to land Ajax wonderkid Matthijs de Ligt in a £50million deal, in a move which would add yet another talent to Guardiola’s options in the heart of defence.
That would be great for Guardiola, but terrible news for youngster Tosin Adarabioyo, who would be relegated to sixth choice centre back despite penning a new contract with the club last year.
Adarabioyo, 20, joined City at the age of just five and has come up through the ranks with the club, but has made just seven first-team appearances, and continues to have his development stunted by big-money defensive additions.
Last year, the Daily Mail reported that Celtic wanted to land Adarabioyo, and with defensive concerns still prevalent for manager Brendan Rodgers, another move for the 6ft 5in defender would be wise if Guardiola signs De Ligt.
Celtic have talented youngsters such as Kristoffer Ajer and Jack Hendry, but with Ajer attracting interest and Hendry up-and-down so far, the Bhoys could hand Adarabioyo first-team football – especially considering Marvin Compper’s continued absence.
With Celtic’s strong relationship with City, a deal – whether loan or permanent – may be possible, and Rodgers should at least ask the question this summer.
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