Manchester City in a 3-horse race to sign 20-year-old RB Salzburg talent: Reports
Manchester City are reportedly among three clubs tracking Red Bull Salzburg’s rising star, Samson Baidoo. Fellow Premier League sides Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly set to rival Pep Guardiola's side for the youngster.
According to HITC, Manchester City have have been tracking him for the last year and have been left impressed with the center back's progress.
Baidoo came through the ranks at Austrian Bundesliga side Leifering, making his debut in the 2021/22 season at the age of 17. His debut season with the club alerted RB Salzburg, who moved to sign the promising defender at the end of the campaign.
The 20-year-old has progressed through the ranks to become one of the mainstays for the Austrian club, having already made 37 appearances for Salzburg so far.
Born in Austria, Baidoo is of Ghanaian descent, who he has represented at the youth levels. His impressive performances for Salzburg earned him a call-up to the national side for Austria's UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying matches against Belgium and Azerbaijan.
Manchester City are currently well stocked in the center back department with the likes of John Stones, Ruben Dias, and Manuel Akanji vying for the two spots. Versatile defenders Josko Gvardiol and Nathan Ake can also play there if required.
Their interest in Baidoo, however, could be to with future proofing the position with Stones turning 30 and facing fitness issues as well.
Manchester City, however, face stiff competition for his signature according to HITC. Apart from Spurs and Newcastle, even Barcelona Inter Milan, and Borussia Dortmund are tracking the progress of the ball-playing defender.
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola provides update on Haaland's mindset
If Baidoo joins Manchester City, he would be met with another former Salzburg star Erling Haaland. The Norwegian striker spent his formative years with the Austrian side before joining Borussia Dortmund ahead of his move to the Premier League.
Haaland has started the season in tremendous form, scoring nine goals in four matches. The forward, however, was a doubt for last weekend's win over Brentford.
He was grieving the loss of a long-time family friend Ivar Eggja, who played a key role in the striker's career. Haaland, however, decided to play the match and even scored two goals.
Pep Guardiola spoke about Haaland's reserved behaviour in the locker room and how football can provide respite during situations like these.
"[He told me he wanted to play] yesterday. That’s his strength. For 90 minutes you forget your personal life. It has been tough for his family, for anyone to pass away at that age is difficult for every human being. He has been down in the locker room, but we try to take care of everyone and be close to them," Guardiola is quoted as saying by the Manchester City website.
City begin their Champions League campaign this Wednesday when they host Inter Milan at the Etihad Stadium.