‘Top talent’, ‘Can’t wait to see him at the Etihad’ – Man City fans react as club agree first signing of the January transfer window

Manchester City have agreed a deal for Argentina midfielder Máximo Perrone, the Premier League champions’ first signing of the January transfer window.

The Citizens have persistently been linked with a move to sign the 20-year-old midfielder, who is understood to have an €8m (£7.1m) release clause in his contract with the Argentine club.

A recent report claimed that Pep Guardiola’s side were on the verge of finalising a deal to sign Perrone, fending off interest from the likes of Newcastle United, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Benfica.

The highly-rated midfielder is currently with the Argentina U20 side at the South American U20 Championship but is expected to join the reigning Premier League champions after the tournament, reports Fabrizio Romano.

Manchester City are set to complete the signing of Máximo Perrone from Vélez — deal at contract stages soon and here we go confirmed. 🚨🔵🇦🇷 #MCFC

Perrone will join City right after the Sudamericano Sub-20, as expected. pic.twitter.com/N6EeDCQICP

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 18, 2023

According to a seperate report from Cesar Luis Merlo, the 20 year-old will travel to England to complete his medical and sign his Manchester City contract following the conclusion of the Sudamericano Sub-20 competition.

Perrone’s future with the City first-team upon arriving remains unknown, despite suggestions that the 20 year-old come straight into Guardiola’s squad, a possible loan move has been mooted.

The report shared on Twitter gathered a number of replies from a wide range of Man City supporters.

Can’t wait to see him at the Etihad 💙🤍💯. Welcome to Man City , Máximo. pic.twitter.com/IgsakafNTR

— GundoRole💙🤍 (@MrWhippy_Role) January 18, 2023

“Finally some transfer news from City.”
Credit: @abdulka_diir

“Excited to see what this guy is gonna do. These South American talents are gems nowadays.”
Credit: @ftblyousef_

“Top talent, he’ll be amazing for us.”
Credit: @NickMCFC1894

“Great signing for Girona”
Credit: @Gam3sGoneSoft

Midfield talent heading to City

From a holding midfield role, Perrone became one of Vélez’s most important players last year, helping the club from Buenos Aires reach the semi-finals of the Copa Libertadores after eliminating River Plate and Atlético Talleres before being knocked out by reigning champions Flamengo. Just 19 at the time, he wore the captain’s armband as Vélez progressed through the competition.

As an academy player, he was picked out by manager Gabriel Heinze as one to watch before making his senior debut. Perrone then built an impressive midfield relationship at the club, playing alongside Nicolas Garayalde in a double pivot.

Last season, Perrone scored three goals and provided two assists in 21 starts. Under Guardiola, he can only improve and could be a steal for the Manchester outfit.