Manchester City will have to offer youngster great sporting package, but they’re very good at that

In November 2016, Manchester City were linked with signing Barcelona youngster Nico Gonzalez.

Then just 14 years of age, Gonzalez wouldn’t have normally been able to leave Barcelona for the Premier League, but with his father Fran already working as a coach at City it made the move possible.

Nico stayed where he was and now there’s transfer rumours again. Catalan newspaper Sport report say the youngster’s possible exit ‘resumes with force’ and Manchester City’s long standing interest is referenced again.

Barcelona are set to offer the 16 year old a ‘very attractive sports plan’ which would see him move up through the club’s categories with a career progression plan.

To snatch the player away from La Masia, Manchester City would have to offer something more tempting, and they’re certainly capable of doing so.

Manchester City’s attempts to snatch youngsters away from other clubs are reportedly repeatedly in Europe, especially in France and Spain.

A running theme is that it’s not all about money, with Pep Guardiola’s side putting effort into convincing young footballers and their families that a great deal of thought has gone into the recruitment and subsequent progression.

The club are well placed to offer Nico Gonzalez a career plan which can rival that of Barcelona.