According to recent reports, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is aiming to sign an `ice cool` player, believed to be a goalkeeper, due to concerns regarding the consistency of the current starting player`s performances.
On paper, Manchester City were expected to have little trouble against Al-Hilal. They dominated the match, creating more scoring chances and registering over double the number of shots on target compared to their opponents.
However, the Sky Blues ultimately suffered a surprising exit from the Club World Cup after a 4-3 defeat. Al-Hilal`s goalkeeper, Yassine Bounou, delivered an exceptional performance, making eight crucial saves from inside the box to keep Guardiola`s side at bay.
Following the match, the City boss chose not to be overly critical of his players, while specifically praising Bounou`s efforts. Guardiola commented, “It is a pity. We have been on incredible journey together and were in a good place. The vibe was really good. I cannot thank the players enough for training and playing how they have been.”
He added, “But it was a difficult game. The margins were minimal. We created a lot and (Yassine) Bounou made incredible saves but we were so open.”
Despite his public stance, behind the scenes, Guardiola is reportedly planning squad changes. A report from Spain indicates that the Manchester City manager has clearly expressed his desire to sign Barcelona`s goalkeeper, Marc-Andre Ter Stegen.
With current keeper Ederson seemingly having lost some of his previous consistency, there is a clear push to acquire a new goalkeeper. Guardiola is believed to feel that Ter Stegen would be an excellent fit, possessing the necessary qualities to succeed in the Premier League.
Barcelona would reportedly be open to allowing Ter Stegen to leave if a suitable offer is received, as the La Liga club is looking to reduce its wage bill. The German international currently earns a significant weekly wage of £105,000.
Marc-Andre Ter Stegen: Experience and Success
The 33-year-old has enjoyed a highly successful career, amassing 20 major trophies. He has been a pivotal player for Barcelona over many seasons, making a total of 422 appearances for the Spanish club.
This extensive top-level experience could be extremely beneficial for a Manchester City squad aiming to return to winning ways, particularly after enduring a rare season without major silverware in the 2024-25 campaign.
Known for his composure, described as `ice cool`, Ter Stegen is also very comfortable with the ball at his feet, making him a potentially ideal fit for Guardiola`s tactical system. His skill in this area is highly regarded, with fellow goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois once calling him the `best in the game` with his feet.
While Ter Stegen could prove to be a fantastic acquisition for Manchester City, his age might raise some concerns. At 33, he is two years older than Ederson, which suggests he may not be viewed as a long-term successor for the Brazilian goalkeeper.
