Manchester City are to spend big once again this summer as they target Ajax defender Jan Vertonghen. The Belgium international has been in impressive form this season for the Amsterdam club and has attracted interest from several clubs in the Premier League.
The 24 year-old is valued at a reported £17m which is likely to put off clubs such as Everton and Arsenal who have also been tracking the defender. Ajax coach, Frank De Boer himself has confirmed the interest of the Eastlands club after Mancini was seen casting an eye over the Belgian at the Dutch Cup final on Sunday.
“(Assistant coach) Danny Blind told me that Mancini was at the stadium and I know that Manchester City are interested in signing him” said De Boar according to reports in De Telegraaf.
Vertonghen joined Ajax at the age of 15 and has developed into a fan favourite at the club. The Belgian has made the centre back role his own since the departure of Thomas Vermaelen after initially playing in several roles across the defence and even in midfield. No wonder the Amsterdam Arena faithful have given him the title of ‘Mr Versatility’ as he can be utilised in positions across the park.
Vertonghen’s ability to play in any position in defence or midfield would be a huge advantage for Mancini’s team as they prepare for Champions League football. The Ajax defender also has an immense ability in dead ball situations which would add an extra dimension to City’s game. It is believed that Mancini would want to partner the player up with Belgian compatriot, Vincent Kompany in the heart of the City defence. The partnership of Kompany and Lescott has impressed this season but there are questions over the ability of Joleon Lescott to make it as an established Champions League defender.
Jan Vertonghen is not exactly a marquee signing that would strike fear into their premier league rivals but it is a sign of Mancini’s commitment to building his own team at Eastlands. If the Manchester City boss really wants to develop a strong squad to challenge in the Champions League next season then ‘Mr Versatility’ might just be the man to add that new dimension to City.
He'd be stupid to go to City though. They have so many defenders that they hardly need him. He'd just go there and rotate until eventually he's sitting on the bench so much he'll want to leave, even if on loan like Wayne Bridge.
ReplyDeleteHe'd be much better off coming to Arsenal.