If you followed Sport Witness during the summer transfer window, you’ll have been aware there was a strong chance Oleksandr Zinchenko would leave Manchester City.
Spending last season on loan at PSV Eindhoven in Holland, the 20-year-old was a target for Napoli in Italy, and could have easily gone there in the last few minutes of deadline day were it not for Maurizio Sarri.
The only way Zinchenko would leave the Etihad and move down south to Italy was if Emmanuele Giaccherini left, and that was close to happening too.
The former Sunderland attacking midfielder had an offer from Fiorentina, and Napoli had everything lined up to bring in the young Ukrainian as a replacement.
However, according to TuttoNapoli, Sarri decided against both transfers, fearing how long it would take the Manchester City youngster to adapt to his methods, which Giaccherini already knows.
The veteran forward understood the decision, and, having been included in his side’s Champions League squad, is happy about it.
As for Zinchenko, we’re not sure sitting in the stands and playing reserve football will be what’s best for his development, but that’s life.
There are several windows still open in world football, so maybe Manchester City will find another solution.
