Since Pep Guardiola started his reign at Manchester City at the beginning of last season, the main problem he has faced is the defensive frailties of the side. The signing of John Stones was supposed to end this issue but, if anything, it made the problem even worse. But now The Citizens are reportedly interested in the signature of Jonny Evans from West Brom, which is expected to cost about £30 million.
Here’s why Evans would be a good fit for Manchester City;
Premier League capabilities
While this rumour is one that has come out of nowhere, if it comes off, it could turn out to be one of the best signings of the summer in the Premier League. It’s not a typical big-money deal that Manchester City have been associated in the last few years but it brings something that many of the big signings don’t bring: Premier League experience. The Northern Irland international has made over 200 top flight appearances for Manchester United and West Brom.
Since he signed for the Baggies in 2015, he has been a mainstay in their side and would be massively missed by the Midlands side. Evans would solidify a Manchester City defence that has looked extremely shaky in the last 12 months.
Consistency
It might be a bit of a strange signing for the Sky Blues as he wouldn’t be classed as one of the world’s best central defenders but he’s still a very capable defender. He typifies the word consistent, an attribute that is hard to come by when signing defenders from Europe. Nicolas Otamendi and Mangala both fit this category and have struggled to find any kind of consistent form since their respective arrivals from Valencia and Porto. Both players are susceptible to making costly errors, which would hopefully be ironed out with Evans in the backline.
Many managers, Pep Guardiola especially, are desperate for ball-playing centre-backs but Jonny Evans is more of a no-nonsense centre half, one that wouldn’t look out of place 20 years ago. With Stones in the defensive line, there isn’t as much need for a defender who is comfortable on the ball so Evans would be able to play his natural game.
Leicester are also allegedly in for the former Sunderland loanee and they have had a second bid of £23 million rejected by Tony Pulis’ side. If he moves back to Manchester, his game time might be limited whereas he would fit in alongside Harry Maguire perfectly at the King Power Stadium and play every weekend. If he does choose to sign for Guardiola, it will be odd to see him pull on the blue of Manchester City after spending more than 10 years with their huge rivals, Manchester United.
