Bayer Leverkusen’s Exequiel Palacios has ended up on Manchester City’s transfer agenda, according to a report from Argentina.
The Bundesliga winners signed the 26-year-old from River Plate in January 2020 and he has been a regular over the past few seasons.
He’s played 33 games this season and his displays have caught Manchester City’s attention.
That’s at least what El Intransigente are reporting, and they say Pep Guardiola has the Argentina international in his midfield target list for the summer window.
Palacios’ profile meets the requirements of a player that Manchester City are looking for in the market.
It won’t be easy for the Premier League club to sign him mainly because of the German champions. His contract lasts until 2028, and Xabi Alonso’s side aren’t willing to let him leave unless there’s an ‘offer that reflects his market value’.
The report makes no mention of a fee while Transfermarkt currently value him at €40m. Due to their financial strength, Manchester City capable of meeting Bayer Leverkusen’s request for the South American.
If the English club were to secure Palacios’ services, he could play a role similar to that of İlkay Gündoğan. The 34-year-old German could leave Manchester City when his contract expires in June.
The Argentine’s vision, ability to win the ball back and dynamism would make him an ideal fit under Guardiola.
The report’s title says the player could leave Bayer Leverkusen for a European giant. It remains to be seen whether this claim will be backed or dismissed in Germany or England.
