Pep Guardiola applauds Manchester City's mentality following Newcastle victory
Manchester City could seize the opportunity to strike a fruitful relationship with Brighton to make use of in the coming years by agreeing a deal to sell Cole Palmer to them. With Jeremy Doku set to join Pep Guardiola’s side this summer, the academy graduate is likely to be deemed surplus to requirements at the Etihad Stadium and consequently offloaded.
Following the departure of Riyad Mahrez, Guardiola made it no secret that he wanted to bring in another right-sided forward to provide an alternative option to Bernardo Silva and Phil Foden. Doku was quickly identified as a top target as a result, with the Belgium international making it no secret to Rennes that he would be keen on the move.
A deal has been struck for the 21-year-old for a fee in the region of £50m, and it is expected to have a significant impact on outgoings for City in what remains of the transfer window. Guardiola has several bright prospects at his disposal that have come through the academy and are desperate for minutes, and the Spaniard may feel that it is best for some to leave as a result.
Palmer is among those to have been linked with an exit, and Brighton very keen to acquire his services permanently – with other interested parties open to loan moves. Despite the advantages of a short-term stint elsewhere, striking a deal with the Seagulls on a permanent deal could play into City’s hands further down the line.
Brighton have very quickly gained a reputation for developing some of the best young prospects in Europe and allowing them to leave for the right price – such as Alexis Mac Allister and Moises Caicedo. Thus, a relationship with Roberto De Zerbi’s side can only be seen as a positive if City are hopeful of going shopping on the south coast.
Speculation has already began brewing surrounding teenage sensation Evan Ferguson and the 18-year-old is said to be set to fetch a fee of at least £100m in 2024 if he is moved on.
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Evan Ferguson is catching the eye for Brighton (Image: Getty)
Similarly, Julio Enciso – who was scouted by City whilst playing for Libertdad in Paraguay – is beginning to assert himself as one of the most exciting young talents in the Premier League and it could be no surprise if the 19-year-old is still sought after by Guardiola.
With Kauro Mitoma also likely to be one of the next major Brighton sales, over £150m worth of players could leave the Seagulls this summer – and City, with their significant transfer budgets, could have a positive relationship with Brighton to lean on if bidding wars break out.
