Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola chooses 24-year-old replacement for Kyle Walker after defeat against Juventus: Reports
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has identified Andrea Cambiaso as a potential replacement for Kyle Walker, according to Football365. The English right-back has recently emerged as a weak point in the City backline and the Spanish manager is eager to sign an upgrade.
Walker has been a key part of the Cityzens' success, but is already 34. The player was particularly poor against Juventus in the Champions League on Wednesday, December 11. Manchester City lost the game 2-0, as their crisis deepened. The English champions have struggled without Rodri and have just one win in the last nine games across competitions.
They are fourth in the Premier League after 15 games, eight points behind leaders Liverpool, who have a game in hand. Meanwhile, Wednesday's defeat to the Bianconeri means they are now 22nd in the Champions League table.
Guardiola is already planning to revamp his squad in 2025 and has identified Cambiaso as the ideal candidate for the right-back role. The Italian is equally adept at playing on the left flank, which makes him an enticing prospect for the Spanish tactician.
However, the 24-year-old is under contract with Juventus unilt 2029 and they have no desire to let him go. Real Madrid reportedly have their eyes on Cambiaso as well, which could further complicate matters for Manchester City. The report adds that the English club have identified Jeremie Frimpong and Rayan Ait-Nouri as possible alternatives.
How many trophies has Pep Guardiola won with Manchester City?
Manchester City managed a coup by convincing Pep Guardiola to take over the reigns at the Etihad in 2016. The Spanish manager has since taken the club to the pinnacle of success.
He created history in the 2022/23 campaign by guiding the Cityzens to a European treble. The former Barcelona manager has won six Premier League titles and one Champions League trophy with the English side.
Guardiola has also won two FA Cups, four EFL Cups, and three Community Shields. He has lifted the UEFA Super Cup as well as the FIFA Club World Cup during his time at the Etihad.
The 53-year-old has a total of 18 trophies with Manchester City so far. However, his contract with the club expires at the end of this season and he hasn't signed a new deal yet. The Spanish manager recently hinted that he could take over a national team in the future.